UAE talent Ethan D'Souza scores high in both cricket and academics

Ethan D’Souza has become an expert at juggling his passion for cricket and burgeoning national team career with his academic pursuits.

So far, his hard work at maintaining this balancing act has paid off handsomely, having achieved 80 per cent in the CBSE (Indian curriculum) exams.

D’Souza was a member of the UAE team that reached the U19 Asia Cup final last December following stunning victories over Asian giants Pakistan and Sri Lanka. He also played for Team Abu Dhabi in the Abu Dhabi T10.

That done, D’Souza, 18, is now ready to continue his cricketing journey while also studying for a degree in business and finance.

“I actually exceeded my expectations. I’m very satisfied with the (exam) results given the time spent on cricket. I missed about four months of school last year,” D’Souza, who has already played three senior ODIs, told The National.

“My parents and teachers [at Abu Dhabi Indian School-Al Wathba] have been very supportive. They have helped me to balance my studies and cricket for which I’m really thankful.

“The season has been long and I've missed quite a lot of cricket due to my exams. Now I’m looking for a university, probably in Dubai, and then finalise it in the next month or two.

“From a cricket point of view, it hasn't been my best season, but I've learnt a lot from it. With the exams behind me, the plan is to work over the summer and be ready for the 2024/2025 season.”

A left-handed top order batter and a useful right arm off-spin bowler, he has played key roles in the UAE age group team successes, and emerged as one of the best fielders in the country at any position.

“Obviously those were two very good tournaments for me as an individual last November and December. To reach the Asia Cup final after