All-rounders Agastya Kashikar and Kavya Shah helped Podar International School (Santacruz) secure a comprehensive seven-wicket win over SM Shetty School (Powai) in a first-round match of the Mumbai School Sports Association (MSSA) Harris Shield boys U-16 inter-school cricket tournament at the Karnatak Sporting Association (KSA) ground on Friday.
After opting to bat, SM Shetty struggled against a disciplined Podar bowling unit and were bundled out for 117 in 29 overs. Leg-spinner Kavya emerged as the destroyer-in-chief, picking up 5-33. He received solid support from pacer Agastya (2-40) and Shaurya Javeri (2-26). Shivank Mishra (49 not out) was the only SM Shetty player who batted well.
In reply, the Podar batters mixed maturity with aggression to make light work of the target, reaching 118-3 in just 18.5 overs. Agastya scored a 52-ball 50 not out, while Kavya capped off a memorable outing with a fluent 47 off 51 balls. Interestingly, Agastya has also played for the Mumbai U-14 team, and won the man of the match award in the U-14 West Zone final against Saurashtra in February, after scoring 47 in the first innings and picking 6-23.