Srinagar, Dec, 19: Jammu & Kashmir’s U-16 squad beat Mizoram by an innings and 275 runs in the Vijay Merchant Trophy at Lalbhai Contractor Stadium in Surat, Gujarat, on Friday, storming into the finals.
As per a statement issued on Friday, resuming from an overnight 264/4, J&K captain Smagey Khajuria anchored the innings with a gritty marathon century—100 off 213 balls, laced with 5 fours and 2 sixes—before declaring at 390/9 for a commanding first-innings lead of 353 runs. Jaskaran Singh remained unbeaten on 53, while Adnan Manzoor’s explosive 73 off 71 balls (8 fours, 3 sixes) provided early fireworks. Karman Singh (47) and Arsalan Niyak (42) chipped in with vital contributions. For Mizoram, Vanrem Sanga (4/??) and Samuel V (2/??) fought back stoutly.
J&K’s bowlers, spearheaded by Sanil Singh, then unleashed carnage in Mizoram’s second innings, skittling them for a paltry 68. Joel top-scored with 29, Johan adding 14. Sanil was the destroyer-in-chief, ripping through with 5/14 in 6 overs; Jaskaran Singh (3/24) and the duo of Tariq Nabi (1/04) and Hammad Firdous (1/09) sealed the rout. Earlier, electing to bat first after winning the toss, Mizoram collapsed to 47 all out. Only skipper Lawma (13) and Duhsaka (10) reached double figures. Rajveer Singh starred with a lethal 5/18 in 8 overs, Hammad Firdous (3 wkts), Tariq Nabi (1 wkt), and Atharav Sharma (1 wkt) mopping up the rest.
This marks Jammu & Kashmir’s third consecutive innings victory—a resounding testament to the surging dominance of cricket in the region.
“Heartiest congratulations to the J&K U-16 team for this resounding innings and 275-run demolition of Mizoram. Stellar show by Smagey and Adnan with the willow and Sanil and Rajveer with the ball. Keep up the good work!” — Brig Anil Gupta.
The triumphant squad travels under the expert guidance of head coach Sameer Khajuria (former first-class cricketer), coach Muzaffar Mattoo, manager Shashi Kumar (former first-class cricketer), strength & conditioning coach Amit Bargotra, physiotherapist Karan Nayyar, and performance analyst Sheikh Suhail.
