JAMMU, Jun 11: Sher-e-Kashmir Cricket Club (SKCC) displayed remarkable dominance and all-round excellence to secure two convincing victories in a single day and book a place in the semi-finals of the Youth Sports Promotion National Championship being played at the MA Stadium, Jammu.
Under the leadership of captain Surpreet Singh, SKCC first outclassed Press Club XI by nine wickets in the morning qualifier before registering a comprehensive 62-run victory over Ridhima Sports Club in the evening quarter-final.
In the morning encounter, Press Club XI won the toss and opted to bat first but failed to build substantial partnerships against the disciplined SKCC bowling attack. The team was bowled out for 126 runs in 17.4 overs. Kamaljeet and Tejas were the main contributors with 18 runs each. Ashish Gupta spearheaded the bowling effort by claiming two important wickets, while the other bowlers shared the remaining wickets to maintain constant pressure.
Chasing a modest target of 127 runs, SKCC made light work of the task, reaching the target in just 15.5 overs while losing only one wicket. Vardhan Padha played a composed innings of 48 runs off 50 balls, while Avtar Singh produced a match-winning knock of 49 runs from only 30 deliveries. For his explosive batting display, Avtar Singh was adjudged Player of the Match.
Carrying forward the momentum, SKCC faced tournament hosts Ridhima Sports Club in the evening quarter-final. Asked to bat first, SKCC posted an imposing total of 188 runs for the loss of five wickets in 20 overs. Akshit Sharma led the charge with a blistering 49 off 25 balls. He was well supported by Vardhan Padha, who scored 33 off 20 deliveries, and Bawa Barjinder Singh, who contributed a quickfire 34 runs from 20 balls. For Ridhima Sports Club, Vishal Sharma claimed three wickets, while Vikrant Sharma took two.
In reply, Ridhima Sports Club struggled to keep pace with the required run rate and were eventually bowled out for 126 runs. Gorav top-scored with 40 runs off 33 balls, while Anil Sharma added 27 runs. However, the SKCC bowlers maintained control throughout the innings.
Bawa Barjinder Singh completed an outstanding all-round performance by taking three crucial wickets. Jimmy and Aneesh Khajuria chipped in with two wickets each to ensure a comfortable victory. For his match-winning contributions with both bat and ball, Bawa Barjinder Singh was named Player of the Match.
The twin victories underlined SKCC’s strength in both batting and bowling departments as the team confidently advanced to the semi-finals of the prestigious tournament.