Aakash shines for Al Barkaat

Mangde batted with composure against Anjuman Allana

- Haridev Pushparaj

As Al Barkaat strengthened their chances of reaching the 128th Harris Shield final, cynosure was on the sturdy Aakash Mangde who scored an invaluable 47 to help their cause.

The 15-year-old batter has been thick among the runs with over 200 runs so far in his first Harris Shield season in nine matches including the current one.

The Badlapur boy employed some of his favourite shots to good effect including the pull shot, slog sweep and lofted shot that fetched him a fair amount of runs including a maximum.

Aakash treated his teammates and spectators to some fine strokeplay that enthralled them on a rather pleasant afternoon at the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) Ground at the Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC).

The young lad began playing the game since 2016 and trains under his coach Amol Ghodke.

He has been growing steadily in the last couple of years having also represented the Mumbai under-14 team with whom he has scored a hundred and a 70 not out.

Aakash feels playing the Harris Shield has helped him with some crucial learnings and he intends to work on them moving forward.