Excelsior Sports Correspondent
JAMMU, May 18: Veterans Cricket Association XI defeated Cricket Gladiators by 7 runs in a thrilling league match of the KCSC Veteran Tournament after defending a challenging total in a nail-biting finish.
Batting first, Veterans Cricket Association XI posted an imposing 193/9 in 20 overs riding on explosive knocks from Lalit and Manish Sharma. After an early setback, Lalit turned the tide with a blistering 53 off just 22 balls, smashing 8 boundaries and 3 sixes at a strike rate of 240.9. Manish Sharma anchored the innings brilliantly with a composed 65 off 49 deliveries, while Bhanu Gupta added a quick 35 to strengthen the total.
For Cricket Gladiators, Namandeep Singh was the standout bowler with impressive figures of 4/39, while Anil Bhat and Mohd Shafqat chipped in with one wicket each.
Chasing 194, Cricket Gladiators remained in the hunt through fighting knocks by Yogeshwar Saini (45) and Anil Bhat (43), while Raghav Sharma contributed 24 runs at the top. However, regular breakthroughs kept the pressure on the batting side.
Retaish Sharma emerged as the match-winner with an excellent spell of 3/25, while Rohit claimed two wickets. With 12 runs needed in the final over, Munir displayed nerves of steel, conceding only five runs to seal a thrilling 7-run victory for Veterans Cricket Association XI.
Retaish Sharma was declared Man of the Match for his all-round impact in the closely contested encounter.
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