Adani Sportsline is delighted to announce the inaugural edition of the ‘Little Giants’ school tournament held at Vision Cricket Center in Dubai from 21 January to 29 January 2025. The tournament brought together eight talented teams from top schools in the UAE to compete in an exciting cricket tournament. 

The tournament aimed to foster young talent in the country by providing an exceptional platform for budding cricketers to showcase their skills. Aligned with Adani Sportsline’s vision of nurturing grassroots sports, the event delivered competitive games and memorable moments on the field. 

The eight teams were divided into two groups of four, competing in a group and knockout format. DIA Emirates Hills, Sharjah Cricket Academy, The Winchester School and Gems Modern Academy made it through to the semi-finals.  

It was Sharjah Cricket Academy and Gems Modern Academy who squared off against each other in the final. Jaidev Gattani’s match winning 3/13 in 3 overs helped Gems Modern Academy bowl out Sharjah Cricket Academy to 80/10 in 18 Overs. Gems Modern Academy then easily chased down the target in 7.4 overs to win the title by eight wickets.  

Reflecting on the successful inaugural season of the tournament, Mr Sanjay Adesara, Chief Business Officer, Adani Sportsline, stated, “The launch of the ‘Little Giants’ tournament aligns with our commitment to nurturing young talent at the grassroots level, not only in India but across the globe. The tournament provided the kids with a competitive yet enjoyable platform to showcase their skills, while fostering a culture of sportsmanship among the participants.  

List of award winners from the tournament –  

•⁠  ⁠Best Fielder of the Tournament- Sami Afghan (SCA) 6 Dismissals in 4 Matches 

•⁠  ⁠Best Bowler of the tournament- Uddish Suri (The Winchester School) 10 Wickets in 4 Innings  

•⁠  ⁠Best Batsman of the Tournament – Jaimeek Shah (DIA – Emirates Hills) Scored 333 Runs in 4 Innings  

•⁠  ⁠Best Player of the Tournament – Uddish Suri (The Winchester School) Scored 256 Runs & Took 10 Wickets 

About Adani Sportsline  

Adani Sportsline is the sports arm of the diversified Adani Group, which has a presence in ports, logistics, energy, utility, infrastructure, electric power generation and transmission, mining, airport operations, natural gas, and food processing.    

Formed in 2019, Adani Sportsline has an overarching philosophy to inculcate a culture of sports at the grassroots level and create globally competitive opportunities for future champions in India. In line with the group’s vision of nation-building, the company aims to build a world-class ecosystem that nurtures sporting talent, accelerates the sports economy and plays the role of an enabler in India’s journey to become a leading sporting nation.  

The Desert Vipers restored their authority as table-toppers with a comprehensive five-wicket victory against the Gulf Giants.  A composed knock of 70 runs in 54 balls from Max Holden ensured they cruised home in 19 overs at the Dubai International Stadium on Wednesday. Having already sealed a playoff spot, the Vipers cemented a top-two finish with this win. 

Earlier in the contest, three-wicket hauls from Wanindu Hasaranga and Sam Curran limited the Giants to a meagre score of 129/8 despite Tom Curran’s late flourish of 64 runs in 34 balls, with nine fours and a six. 

The Desert Vipers lost both openers in the powerplay, as Mark Adair removed Alex Hales and Blessing Muzarabani picked up Fakhar Zaman within the first four overs. Both wickets were the result of spectacular catches by Chris Jordan and Tom Curran respectively, leading the Vipers to finish the fielding restrictions at 42/2. 

While Dan Lawrence fell cheaply to Chris Jordan, Max Holden, who came in at number three, found the middle of the bat consistently. He joined Sam Curran in a 45-run partnership in 42 balls until Curran holed out to a great catch by James Vince, off Muzarabani. 

Though the run chase stayed heavily skewed in favour of the Vipers, they never got significantly ahead of the equation, needing 33 runs in the final five overs. Holden reached a 42-ball fifty, including six fours and a six, but Muzarabani’s third wicket in Azam Khan, offered the Giants a glimmer of hope. 

However, Holden remained unbeaten alongside Adam Hose in a composed alliance of 32 runs in 21 balls to steer the Vipers home in 19 overs. 

Batting first, it was a tough outing for the Gulf Giants. James Vince was dismissed for 15 runs by Sam Curran as the Giants only mustered 31 runs in the powerplay. 

Wanindu Hasaranga emerged as the most potent threat, slicing through the Giants’ top order. He bowled Tom Alsop for 17 off 26 balls in the seventh over, then trapped Jordan Cox LBW for a mere three runs, reducing the Giants to 44/4 at the halfway mark. 

Khuzaima Tanveer added to the Giants’ woes by removing Shimron Hetmyer in the ninth over. Sam Curran compounded their troubles with a sharp return catch to dismiss Gerhard Erasmus. 

Tim David briefly rallied, launching Lockie Ferguson for a six in the 13th over, but he was dismissed on the very next ball looking for the same outcome, leaving the Giants reeling at 58/6. 

Hasaranga struck again, pinning Jordan Cox on the pads for his third wicket of the night. The Giants seemed on the brink of collapse. However, Tom Curran reinvigorated the innings smashing a 30-ball fifty. He took apart his brother, Sam Curran in the 19th over, clobbering two fours and a six in what turned out to be the most productive over of the innings. Another 14 runs from Tom Curran in the final over pushed the Giants to a total of 129/8 at the end of their turn. 

Player of the Match, Wanindu Hasaranga said: “I tried to stick to my basics and the wrong ones, that’s my plan for success. I love to bowl here, even in the Asia Cup as well I took wickets. The fast bowlers did a great job, and the batters did their jobs, so as a team we have done our things well.” 

Gulf Giants captain, James Vince said: “It wasn’t a great performance with the bat. 130 was always tough to defend. The first 10 overs of the batting innings put us on the back foot. At one stage we were looking at less than 100, until Tom Curran and Aayan’s partnership gave us some relief. We fought well with the ball and took it as far as we could but a little short with the bat.” 

Brief Scores 

Desert Vipers beat Gulf Giants by five wickets 

Gulf Giants 129/8 in 20 overs (Tom Curran 64 not out, Tom Alsop 17, James Vince 15, Wanindu Hasaranga 3 for 10, Sam Curran 3 for 28, Khuzaima Tanveer 1 for 12) 

Desert Vipers 130/5 in 19 overs (Max Holden 70 not out, Sam Curran 16, Fakhar Zaman 14, Blessing Muzarabani 3 for 35)

he much-awaited Legend 90 League, featuring cricketing stars such as Shikhar Dhawan, Suresh Raina, and former New Zealand batsman Ross Taylor, generated excitement as Team Delhi Royals revealed their official jersey in a ceremony attended by former India legend and squad leader Shikhar Dhawan. The launch marks an important milestone for the franchise as they gear up for their campaign in this prestigious tournament.

Addressing the jersey launch as a significant step in Delhi Royals’ journey, Devender Kadyan, team owner of Delhi Royals shared, “Today marks a proud moment for Delhi Royals as we present our team jersey for the Legend 90 League to our fans. This jersey represents our values, aspirations, and commitment to cricket. We believe it will inspire our players to perform at their best and make our supporters proud

Former Indian Legend and Delhi Royals Leader Shikhar Dhawan shared his thoughts regarding leading squad in his new color, the legend shared, “As captain of Delhi Royals, I’m excited to wear this jersey and lead the team. Every stitch carries the legacy of the vibrant city Delhi is today, and we are all eager to make lasting memories as we step onto the field wearing these colors.”

Talking about not stopping to accept new challenges and adapt to newer formats, former Indian legend Shikhar Dhawan shared, “Every opportunity to keep playing for different formats keeps my passion alive. I’m excited to step into a fresh challenge and contribute to a team that brings together a unique blend of experience and energy. It’s all about continuing to evolve and enjoying the game.”

Adding support to Shikhar’s enthusiasm, team owner Devender Kadyan also shared, “The Delhi Royals are extremely proud to have Shikhar Dhawan as their captain. He is the ideal figurehead to lead our battalion because of his experienced commitment to the game and leadership. We want to leave our mark in the Legend 90 League and Shikhar’s ability to motivate and bring the team together will be crucial.”

Shivain Sharma, Director of Legend 90 League reflected on the valuable partnership they formed with Delhi Royals squad, he stated, “Our tournament is crafted to bring together the best of cricketing greats from around the world. Our shared dedication to excellence allows legends to reclaim their game and reconnect with the cricket community at large while fostering a healthy competition in an entertaining and innovative format.”

The jersey reveal ceremony, which showcased the Delhi Royal’s official playing kit, represents the team’s commitment to excellence and their strong connection to Delhi’s sporting legacy. The design incorporates elements that reflect both tradition and modernity, aligning with the spirit of Legend 90 League.