Essex Under 13 Indoor Cricket
Norlington took part in the Essex Under-13 Indoor Competition, hosted at St Bonaventure’s School, competing against the hosts and Little Ilford School. Across four competitive matches, the squad showed resilience, tactical awareness, and maturity to finish as overall winners and progress to the next round of the Essex Cup.
Norlington opened the competition against St Bonaventure’s, batting first and setting an excellent total of 57 runs from five overs, with each over consisting of four balls. The innings was built on positive intent and intelligent running between the wickets, with Azaan Ali and Haadi Ali Akbar accelerating particularly well in the latter stages to establish a challenging target, despite losing a wicket off the final ball. In reply, St Bonaventure’s were restricted to 38 runs from their 20 balls, as disciplined bowling from Azaan Ali, Muhammad Talha, and Saim Basharat kept Norlington firmly in control. Azaan Ali was the standout performer, showing a very mature approach to his batting and excellent acceleration through the innings.
The second match saw Norlington face Little Ilford. Following a confident opening win, the decision was made to reverse the batting order. This backfired, with early wickets falling and momentum never being established, resulting in a total of just 13 runs from 20 balls. Azaan Ali came in right at the end and scored three runs from two balls, but Little Ilford chased the target down comfortably in 2.1 overs, leaving the group wide open going into the remaining fixtures.
In the second round of games, Norlington once again played St Bonaventure’s. This time, St Bonaventure’s batted first and were restricted to 31 runs from five overs thanks to excellent bowling discipline across the team. The standout moment came in the final over, where Zaeem Ali Awan produced a superb spell, taking three wickets in a maiden over. This decisive contribution swung momentum firmly in Norlington’s favour. Norlington then batted with composure, as Azaan Ali and Haadi Ali Akbar guided the team to victory in 4.2 overs, chasing the target calmly and efficiently.
The final and decisive fixture was against Little Ilford. Batting first, Little Ilford scored 26 runs from five overs, losing three wickets, as Norlington once again bowled with control and accuracy. For the chase, Norlington adjusted their batting order, with Muhammad Talha and Zaeem Ali Awan opening the innings. After the early loss of a wicket, Haadi Ali Akbar returned to steady the innings, and Norlington held their nerve to reach the target with one ball to spare, losing just one wicket.
This hard fought and well managed victory confirmed Norlington as overall winners of the competition, securing progression to the next round of the Essex Cup. Across the day, the team demonstrated adaptability, teamwork, and strong decision making under pressure.
Norlington U13 Squad
Saim Basharat
Azaan Ali
Haadi Ali Akbar Captain and Wicketkeeper
Zaeem Ali Awan
Muhammad Talha
Yusuf Iqbal
A fantastic collective effort from all involved.
