The Desert Vipers Talent Pathway took on Middlesex University Dubai in a friendly contest played to celebrate the partnership between Middlesex University Dubai and the Desert Vipers.
Despite a 60-run victory by Middlesex University Dubai, both teams showcased impressive sportsmanship, with several standout performances on the field.
Middlesex University Dubai are the Desert Vipers’ Elite Sport Performance & Academic Research Partner, and this collaboration has been built around cricket development and high performance training both on and off the field.
This friendly contest was an opportunity for the young players to test their skills in match conditions.
The Vipers Pathway team arrived in style in the bus that is usually reserved for the senior team, currently playing in the DP World ILT20. The match was played at a brand new facility at JA Lake View, the Vipers’ home, and the Desert Vipers coaching staff – including Director of Cricket Tom Moody, Strength and Conditioning (S&C) Coach Daz Veness and Fielding Coach Simon Helmot – spent time with the players ahead of the match.
The coaches conducted focused specialist sessions, providing players with valuable insight into senior team training practices.
Facing an experienced Middlesex University Dubai team, the young Vipers side (average age 14), made an impact with both the bat and ball.
14-year-old off-spinner Ishaan Garge stood out (3-4). He took three wickets in his two overs at an impressive economy rate of 2.
With the bat 15-year-old Vivaan Khanna (also the oldest player on the Vipers side) and 14-year-old Advay Kumat shared a crucial 61 run partnership as the Vipers Talent Pathway team chased a target of 167 runs. They fell short by 60 runs, but it was still a valuable experience for all those involved.
At the end of the contest, the players had the chance to meet and take photos with the Desert Vipers main squad, who stopped at the match venue on the way to their training session at the ICC Academy.
