Excelsior Sports Correspondent
JAMMU, Dec 2: Jammu & Kashmir inched closer to a knockout berth in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy Elite Group B after securing a commanding 29-run victory over Chandigarh at the Jadavpur University Campus Ground, Kolkata. With this impressive win, J&K registered their third triumph in four matches, strengthening their position in the group standings.
Opting to bowl first, Chandigarh were met with a fierce batting display by J&K, who posted a formidable 192 all out in 20 overs. Yawer Hassan was the standout performer, smashing a powerful 57 off 36 balls, laced with four boundaries and four towering sixes. Senior opener Shubham Khajuria provided early momentum with a brisk 43 off 30 deliveries that included three fours and three sixes.
Contributions from Abdul Samad (23) and Kanhaiya Wadhawan (21) ensured J&K maintained an aggressive run rate throughout. Chandigarh’s bowling was led by Nikhil Sharma, Bhagmender Lather, and Jagjit Singh Sandhu, each picking up two wickets to restrict further damage.
Chasing a stiff target of 193, Chandigarh managed 163/7 in 20 overs, falling short despite spirited efforts by their top order. Gaurav Puri top-scored with a blistering 39 off 23 balls, striking four sixes. He was well supported by Arjun Azad (38) and Manan Vohra (32), but the mounting required rate eventually tilted the contest in J&K’s favour. J&K bowlers held their nerve, with Yudhvir Singh claiming two wickets, while Aquib Nabi, Murugan Ashwin and Lone Nasir Muzzaffar chipped in with one wicket each to seal a convincing victory.
The Jammu & Kashmir Cricket Association (JKCA) congratulated the team, extending special appreciation to Administrators Brig Anil Gupta and Vidhya Bhaskar, CAC Members Abdul Qayoom, Vijay Sharma, and Meenu Singh Slathia, as well as Selectors Sarabjeet Singh, Dhruv Mahajan and Arshid Bhat for their continuous efforts in shaping the side’s strong campaign. With momentum firmly on their side, J&K now look poised for a promising run toward the knockout stages.
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