“I felt very excited to get on the field and spend time in the middle. We are in a tougher league this year, so there were definitely some nerves going into the match.”

These were the sentiments of Crawford International Lonehill 1st XI cricketer and Grade 12 student Mikaar Sewkuran when he delivered an impressive six wickets against Bastion in a competitive mixed-team fixture that also gave junior players valuable exposure at the first-team level on January 25.

He said nerves quickly settled once he found his rhythm with the ball. “After my first two overs I was pitching the ball nicely, slowing down the batsmen’s run rate. The boys and girls on our team were always behind me with their support.”

Read more: Boxing tournament tightens fight against gender-based violence

While his six wickets were the highlight, Mikaar said the most meaningful moment came from a wicket he didn’t personally take. As captain, setting the tone and leading tactically was just as important.

“The wicket that meant the most to me was actually the first wicket the team took. Together with my vice-captain, we set the field for a catch. As planned, we got the wicket, and all ran in to celebrate. That moment really stood out.”

Mikaar credited his success to disciplined bowling and the consistent work done at training. “That’s what our coaches have been training us to do so we can become consistent bowlers.”

Balancing the pressure of a big fixture with the demands of Grade 12 academics is no easy task, but Mikaar believes cricket plays a motivating role in his routine. “Our matches on Saturdays motivate me to work hard during the week. It allows me to spend my Saturdays on the field with the team, enjoying the banter and representing the school in the best way possible.”

The fixture was played as a mixed team, with several junior players included, an experience Mikaar feels is crucial for the future of the programme.

Also read: Marco Campos triumphs after years of setbacks

“Our juniors need exposure to first-team cricket, because they’ll be the leaders in a few years. When I first joined Crawford Lonehill, the cricket programme was still developing. I was a junior playing first-team cricket, and while it was very different, it really helped build my character.”

Now in a leadership role himself, Mikaar is aware of the example he sets. “I do see performances like this as an opportunity to lead and inspire. When I was a junior, I looked up to the senior boys, and I hope the juniors look up to me in the same way.”

With the season progressing, Mikaar’s focus remains firmly on the team. “My goal is for us to work together and get wins in big fixtures. Most of us are in matric and close friends, so we want to enjoy our last season as first-team cricketers for Crawford Lonehill.”

His advice to younger cricketers: “Work hard, stay disciplined, enjoy the game, focus on the basics, listen to your coaches, and always play with passion and clear goals.”

Follow us on our Whatsapp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok for the latest updates and inspiration!