Excelsior Sports Correspondent
JAMMU, Jan 23: In a thrilling display of skill and determination, Jammu and Kashmir scripted sporting history by defeating Madhya Pradesh by 6 wickets in the semifinals to enter the finals of the 69th National School Games U-14 Boys Cricket Tournament, hosted by Government of Rajasthan under the aegis of the School Games Federation of India (SGFI) in Sikar.
This prestigious tournament features 30 teams representing States and Union Territories from across the country. J&K’s journey has been remarkable. After dominating the league stage with convincing wins over Rajasthan, Maharashtra and Gujarat, they defeated Telangana by 5 wickets in the pre-quarterfinals and overcame a strong Delhi side in the quarterfinals.
In the high-stakes semifinal, Madhya Pradesh, asked to bat first, collapsed for just 56 runs in 9.3 overs. Leg-spinner Faisal Amin Pandith was the star with a sensational 5-wicket haul, supported by Owais Ishaq (2 wickets) and Harris Rehman (1).
Chasing the modest total, J&K reached the target in 9.3 overs, losing 4 wickets. Skipper Muhammad Mudrik Beig remained unbeaten on 27, while Saksh Gupta contributed a quick 18-run cameo to anchor the win.
Tomorrow, J&K will face hosts Rajasthan in a much-anticipated final. The team is guided by former Ranji Trophy stalwart Suresh Singh as Coach and Arif Hussain Mir as Manager, competing under the banner of the Department of Youth Services and Sports, J&K.
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