Excelsior Sports Correspondent
JAMMU, Sept 22: In a nail-biting finish, Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) edged past Punjab by just 3 runs in the prestigious All India JP Atray Memorial Invitational Cricket Tournament, organized by the Punjab Cricket Association at IS Bindra International Stadium, Mohali.
Batting first after being put in, J&K posted a competitive total of 256/8 in 50 overs. The innings was anchored by Arya Thakur, who scored a composed 52 off 71 balls and Mohammad Mousab, who played a brilliant unbeaten knock of 57 off 59 deliveries. Akash Ayoub contributed a solid 47, while Yasir Rasheed chipped in with a valuable 34. Arnav Gupta (01) and skipper Shivansh Sharma (09) fell cheaply. Punjab’s Manpreet Sandhu, Shubham Rana and Harshdeep Singh took two wickets each.
In reply, Punjab fought valiantly and looked on course to chase the target with contributions from Manpreet Sandhu (70), Harshdeep Singh (50), and Reavanpreet Singh (50). However, disciplined bowling from J&K turned the tide. Punjab needed just 4 runs in the final over with 2 wickets in hand when medium pacer Yasir Rasheed struck on the first ball and then effected a run-out on the same score, sealing a dramatic win.
Basit Bashir was the pick of the bowlers with 3/24 in 7 overs, while Vishal Kumar and Yasir Rasheed took 2 wickets each. Arya Thakur and Arnav Gupta claimed one wicket apiece. Two crucial catches by Praful Dhar proved vital in turning the match in J&K’s favour. Yasir Rasheed was adjudged Player of the Match for his all-round performance.
Congratulating the team, JKCA Member Administration Brig Anil Gupta said, “It was a thrilling win against Punjab. Well played! I wish the team continued success and look forward to them qualifying for the knockouts.”
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