News DeskDubai, UAE – In a thrilling final at the ICC Academy Oval, GEMS Modern Academy, Dubai emerged victorious in the ILT20 Schools Cup, defeating The Winchester School by six wickets. Supported by DP World ILT20 Season 2 stars, the Gulf Giants, represented by GEMS Modern Academy, saw notable presence from coaches Ottis Gibson and Grant Flower, along with players Gerhard Erasmus, Sanchit Sharma, and Aayan Afzal Khan.
Dubai Capitals star Roelof van der Merwe graced the occasion, while Desert Vipers coach Azhar Mahmood and players Ali Naseer and Karthik Meiyappan witnessed the young talents in action. Akshat Rai was the standout performer, earning the player-of-the-final award for his impactful innings of 74 runs from 53 deliveries.
Opting to field first after winning the toss, GEMS Modern Academy bowlers faced a challenge as The Winchester School’s openers, Vansh Kumar and captain Angad Nehru, established a formidable 99-run partnership. Vansh Kumar contributed a blistering 74 runs off 51 balls. The Winchester School set a competitive target of 168-2, with Uddish Suri playing an unbeaten knock of 29 runs.
In response, GEMS Modern Academy, Dubai, led by openers Akshat Rai and Mahatru Hariharan, launched a powerful counterattack. Rai’s impressive 74 runs and partnerships with Hariharan and captain Shrey Sethi (42 off 31 balls) paved the way for a convincing victory. Despite late wickets, GEMS Modern Academy secured the win with six wickets and four balls to spare.
Uddish Suri of The Winchester School was named the player of the tournament, having showcased exceptional all-round performances with 248 runs and seven wickets throughout the ILT20 Schools Cup.
