Gateway College, Colombo emerged champions of the Under 17 Inter International Schools’ Cricket Tournament by beating OKI International School Wattala quite comprehensively played at the Shalika Grounds recently.
In the 40 Over Final, batting first OKI was all out for 88 in 34.1 overs. As the rules specified that there should be a minimum of 20 overs to be bowled to arrive at a decision, Gateway batsmen did not take any chances and were quick to get the runs just before the rains came down. Thus, they reached the score with 6 wickets to spare in just 16.1 overs.
In the preliminary round Gateway beat Stafford, Ikra, British and Belvoir colleges. At the Quarters they beat Elizabeth Moir School. At Semis, Gateway Colombo beat their sister School, Gateway College Kandy who reached the semis by beating Lyceum International, Nugegoda.
It was significant to see the Gateway cricketers grabbing all individual performance awards both at the Final as well as the tournament. The awards won at the Finals included – Adib Hassan (Best Batsman), Thiwanka De Silva (Best Bowler), Ashfaaq Mistha (Best Fielder) and Visal Gunaratne (Man of the Finals). Izmir Mohammed was named the Man of the Tournament. The tournament was organized by Wycherley International School for the 17th successive year.
