Jammu, Mar 9: Kathua Heros produced a dominant all-round performance to defeat Rajouri Indians by nine wickets in the ongoing YSS-JKSC Cricket League match played at MA Stadium, Jammu, on Monday, while Udhampur Fighters produced a dominant all-round performance to register a comprehensive 10-wicket victory over Ramban Eagles, and Rajouri Leopards produced a dominant all-round performance to defeat Poonch Badshahs by nine wickets.
As per a statement issued, in the first match of the day, after winning the toss, Rajouri Indians chose to bat first but struggled to build momentum and eventually posted a modest 106/8 in their allotted 20 overs.
Rajouri’s innings got off to a poor start as they lost Mubashar Bhat for a duck in the second over.
Lone Zaheen also departed without scoring, leaving the side reeling early.
Captain Suhail Dar tried to stabilise the innings with a brisk knock of 36 runs off 29 balls, striking seven boundaries.
Later, Kashif Dar added valuable runs towards the end with an unbeaten 28 off 26 deliveries to help Rajouri Indians cross the 100-run mark.
For Kathua Heros, Ram Dayal and Rohit Sharma were the pick of the bowlers, claiming two wickets each while maintaining tight lines.
Ram Dayal finished with figures of 2/18 in four overs, while Rohit Sharma also returned 2/18 from his three overs.
Chasing a modest target of 107, Kathua Heros made light work of the run chase and reached the target in just 11.1 overs, losing only one wicket.
Opening batter Puri Abhinav anchored the innings with a composed unbeaten 45 off 32 balls, hitting six boundaries.
He was well supported by Ram Dayal, who played a quickfire knock of 42 not out from just 22 balls, smashing six fours and a six to seal the victory in emphatic fashion.
The only breakthrough for Rajouri Indians came when Anwar Ul Haq dismissed Saksham for 11 runs, but it proved little consolation as Kathua Heros comfortably chased down the target.
With this comprehensive win, Kathua Heros strengthened their position in the league with an impressive performance in both departments of the game.
In the second match of the day, after winning the toss, Ramban Eagles opted to bat first but struggled to build momentum against a disciplined bowling attack and were eventually bundled out for 103 runs in 18.1 overs.
For Ramban Eagles, Shalien Rana top-scored with a brisk 42 off 34 balls, hitting six fours and a six to anchor the innings in the early stages. Mohd Amaan Dar contributed 21 runs, while Ahsham Ahmad chipped in with a quick 9 off 8 balls. However, the middle and lower order failed to convert starts into substantial scores as wickets fell at regular intervals.
Udhampur Fighters’ bowlers shared the spoils with Gourav Khajuria leading the attack, claiming 3 wickets for 19 runs in three overs. Munish and Sunil Kumar provided able support, picking up two wickets each to restrict Ramban Eagles to a modest total.
Chasing a target of 104, Udhampur Fighters made light work of the run chase, reaching 104 without loss in just 11.2 overs.
Opener Gourav Khajuria capped off a brilliant all-round performance with the bat, remaining unbeaten on 54 off 41 balls, laced with eight boundaries. He was well supported by Neekhil Singh, who scored an unbeaten 37 off 28 deliveries, striking five fours. The pair stitched together an unbroken opening stand to guide their side comfortably past the target.
The bowlers of Ramban Eagles struggled to make inroads as the Udhampur openers maintained a steady scoring rate, sealing the victory with plenty of overs to spare.
With this emphatic win, Udhampur Fighters strengthened their position in the league, while Ramban Eagles will look to regroup and bounce back in their upcoming fixtures.
