Jammu, March 10: Udhampur Fighters secured a convincing 26-run victory over Poonch Giants in the YSS-JKSC Cricket Premier League played at M A Stadium in Jammu on Tuesday, Ramban Eagles delivered a commanding all-round performance to defeat Poonch Gaints by 74 runs, Kathua Heros defeated Jammu Nawabs by 12 runs.
In the first match of the day, Udhampur Fighters, after winning the toss, opted to bat first and posted a competitive 164/4 in 20 overs. The innings was anchored by captain Gourav Khajuria, who scored an impressive 55 runs off 43 balls, striking six boundaries.
Himanshu Chandan provided solid support with an unbeaten 48 off 42 balls, including five fours and a six. Towards the end, Sunil Kumar added quick runs with a brisk 32 not out from 19 deliveries, helping the team reach a strong total.
For Poonch Giants, Ashish was the most effective bowler, claiming 2 wickets for 20 runs in 4 overs, while Umar and Aleem Malik picked up one wicket each.
Chasing 165, Poonch Giants struggled to keep up with the required run rate despite a fighting effort from Sajad Sheikh, who top-scored with 46 runs from 46 balls. Harmeet Singh added 17 runs, while Umar contributed 16, but the team could only manage 138/6 in their 20 overs.
Udhampur Fighters’ bowling attack delivered a disciplined performance, with Sunil Kumar leading the charge by taking 3 wickets for 31 runs. Ashish and Munish also chipped in with crucial wickets to restrict the opposition.
With this win, Udhampur Fighters strengthened their position in the league, thanks to strong batting from Khajuria and Chandan and a match-winning bowling spell by Sunil Kumar.
In the second match of the day, Ramban Eagles, after winning the toss elected to bat first and posted a competitive 185/6 in 20 overs, thanks to impressive half-centuries from Shoaib Naik and Mohsin Ilahi.
Naik anchored the innings with a well-crafted 59 off 46 balls, striking nine boundaries and maintaining steady momentum through the middle overs. Ilahi then accelerated the scoring with an unbeaten 54 off 31 deliveries, smashing seven fours and a six at a strike rate of over 174.
A quick cameo from Raja, who blasted 30 runs from just 14 balls, including three sixes, further strengthened Ramban Eagles’ total and pushed the side to a formidable total of 185.
For Poonch Gaints, Rehan Aslam was the most effective bowler, claiming 2 wickets for 34 runs, while Umar and Aleem Malik chipped in with wickets but struggled to contain the run flow.
Chasing 186, Poonch Gaints never found their rhythm as the Ramban Eagles bowlers kept striking at regular intervals. The top order collapsed early, with Nitu Ram Bersain leading the attack. He produced a match-winning spell of 3 wickets for 23 runs in four overs, dismantling the opposition’s top order.
Despite resistance from Umar (24) and Zaheer Sheikh (23 not out), Poonch Gaints managed only 111/7 in their 20 overs, falling well short of the target.
Ramban Eagles captain Mahboob Sulaman also contributed with the ball, taking a wicket while maintaining tight control in the middle overs. The disciplined bowling effort ensured the Eagles sealed a comfortable victory.
In the third match of the days, Kathua Heros batting first after winning the toss, posted a competitive 146/7 in 20 overs. The innings was anchored by Puri Abhinav, who scored a steady 43 off 33 balls, striking three boundaries. Ram Dayal contributed 22 runs, while a late flourish from Nehal Khajuria, who remained unbeaten on 29 off just 14 deliveries, helped push the total to a challenging score.
For Jammu Nawabs, Chaitanya Dogra was the standout bowler, claiming 3 wickets for 20 runs in 4 overs, while Vijay Dogra and Akash Sharma chipped in with one wicket each.
In response, Jammu Nawabs were all out for 134 runs despite an explosive knock of Ishtiyaq Elahi Robby, who smashed 58 off 31 balls, including four fours and four sixes. His aggressive innings kept Nawabs ahead of the required rate despite wickets falling at regular intervals.
Kathua Heros fought back through their bowlers, with Vansh delivering an impressive spell of 3/22 in 4 overs, while Ram Dayal picked up two wickets to keep the contest alive. (JKNS)