Sidak's nine fails to save Mumbai

MUMBAI: Sometimes, putting in your best just isn't enough. Ask Sidak Singh. On the third and final day of Mumbai's Vijay Merchant Trophy (U-16 ) match against Maharashtra at the Sachin Tendulkar Gymkhana, the 15-year-old left-arm spinner took an astonishing nine for 28 to skittle out the opponents for 119.
It was an effort that miraculously brought the hosts, who had conceded a 99-run first innings lead, back into the game.Mumbai now were left to chase 218 in 47 overs to record a win that would have seen them qualify for the KOs. However, his team fell short at 191/8, with skipper Prithvi Shaw (47) being the top run-scorer.
Having finished with nine points in four games, Mumbai's U-16 boys crashed out, joining their 'seniors' — the U-19 and the U-25 too have been eliminated — on the sidelines. After enjoying a dream season last year, in which they won a trophy in every category, the cricketing powerhouse has endured a nightmare. Sidak's promising show, though, stands out like a silver lining in a dark cloud.
The tweaker, who plays for Rizvi Springfield in school cricket and Rizvi SC in the Kanga League, showed immense mental strength to bounce back after having gone wicket-less and conceding 100 runs in the first innings. "He brought us from nowhere into the game. He is a focused, determined boy, and a team man. His attitude is fantastic, and he has immense self-belief. He should go onto play for Mumbai," gushed Mumbai's U-16 coach Prashant Shetty.