Future Star U15 Championship: Aayan Siddiqui shines for Meerut Spartans
Ghaziabad, June 26
Rain played spoilsport on the second day of the Future Star Under-15 Championship, with one fixture washed out and another reduced to a 17-overs-per-side contest, where Meerut Spartans registered an 18-run win over Noida Blaze after a strong all-round performance on Thursday.
The afternoon fixture between Sonipat Kings and Jayqoo Panthers, Faridabad, was washed out, while the evening game was cut to 17 overs a side, where Meerut Spartans recovered from 81 for 7 to beat Noida Blaze by 18 runs.
The day's opening match between Sonipat Kings and Jayqoo Panthers, Faridabad, was abandoned after rain washed out play, leaving both sides without a result, according to a release.
Rachit's unbeaten 61 anchors Meerut Spartans recovery: Reduced to 17 overs a side, Meerut Spartans looked in trouble at 81 for 7 before Rachit anchored the recovery with an unbeaten 61 off 38, and Aayan Siddiqui finished strongly with 23 not out off 14 to post 130 for 7.
Aayan Siddiqui then turned the game with the ball, taking 3 for 16, as Noida Blaze fell away once Akib Saifi (47) departed, ending 18 runs short on 112 for 5 despite Saksham Aswal's unbeaten 32.
Brief scores: Meerut Spartans 130/7 in 17 overs (Rachit 61*, Aayan Siddiqui 23*; Dev Nagar 2/27, Naitik Bhati 2/27) beat Noida Blaze 112/5 in 17 overs (Akib Saifi 47, Saksham Aswal 32*; Aayan Siddiqui 3/16) by 18 runs.
Player of the Match: Aayan Siddiqui (23 not out and 3 for 16).
Day 3 on 26 June brings Flying Fire Delhi Chargers against Sonipat Kings, followed by Gurugram Vipers against Noida Blaze.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Rain really spoiled things today, but at least we got a full match in the evening. Rachit's innings was brilliant — coming in at 81 for 7 and finishing unbeaten on 61 shows real character under pressure. These domestic U15 tournaments are so important for grassroots cricket.
The Future Star championship is doing great work for Indian cricket's future. But I wish the organisers had a proper rain plan — just abandoning a match completely isn't ideal for these young players. Still, great to see Meerut Spartans fighting back from 81/7. That's real spirit.
Interesting to see this level of competition in Indian youth cricket. Aayan Siddiqui's all-round performance is impressive — 23* and 3/16 is the kind of contribution that wins matches. The recovery from 81/7 to 130/7 shows good depth in the batting lineup.
Shame about the rain, but what a comeback from Meerut Spartans! 81/7 to 130/7 with Rachit and Aayan standing up — that's proper cricket. Reminds me of those old school partnerships where you just dig in and fight. Hope Akib Saifi learns from this close finish, 47 runs is a good start for a U15 player.
This is exactly what Indian cricket needs — more structured tournaments at the U15 level. Aayan Siddiqui and Rachit, remember these names. But let's not get too carried away, these players have a long way to go. Consistent performances over years will tell if they're the real deal.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.