Srinagar Nov 13 (JKNS): UT Level Cricket Tournament, organized by the Department of Youth Services and Sports, J&K, concluded on Thursday with an exhilarating final match played at BHSS Bijbehara.
The grand finale witnessed a nail-biting encounter between District Kulgam and District Kupwara, where Kulgam emerged victorious by a narrow margin of one wicket.
The valedictory ceremony was graced by Dr. Bashir Ahmad Veeri, who attended as the Chief Guest and lauded the sportsmanship and enthusiasm displayed by the young cricketers throughout the tournament.
He appreciated the efforts of the Department of Youth Services and Sports for providing a vibrant platform to the youth of Jammu & Kashmir to showcase their cricketing talent.
In the final match, after winning the toss, Kupwara opted to bat first and posted a competitive total of 148 runs in the allotted 20 overs. A brilliant knock of 37 runs and a composed 27-run contribution by Shakir were the highlights of Kupwara’s innings.
From the Kulgam bowling unit, Suhaib delivered a remarkable spell, claiming 4 wickets, restricting Kupwara from accelerating further. While chasing the target, Kulgam showed great composure and resilience, eventually achieving victory by 1 wicket in a tense finish.
Yasir top-scored with 34 runs, while Faiz played a match-winning unbeaten knock of 28 runs, hitting the decisive runs that sealed the title for Kulgam. For his all-round performance, Faiz Padder was adjudged the Man of the Match.
The final match was officiated by on-field umpires Mehraj Sheikh and Shahid Hussain, while Tufail Ahmad performed the duties of scorer.
The event was smoothly coordinated under the supervision of Assistant Convenor Mohd Ashraf and Convenor Mohammad Abass Dar.
The tournament concluded amid great enthusiasm and applause, with the Chief Guest felicitating the winning and runner-up teams along with other outstanding performers.
The event marked a successful culmination of yet another sporting initiative by the Department aimed at promoting grassroots cricket talent across the Union Territory. (JKNS)
