Jammu, March 12 (JKNS): Kishtwar Kings secured a hard-fought three-wicket victory over Doda Bhaderwah Warriors in the YSS-JKSC Cricket Premier League Jammu match played at M A Stadium on Thursday.
Chasing a modest target of 122, Kishtwar Kings reached 122/7 in 17.4 overs, sealing the win with just two balls to spare.
After winning the toss, Doda Bhaderwah Warriors opted to bat first but struggled to build lasting partnerships and were bowled out for 121 in 17.5 overs.
Kewal Kotwal anchored the innings with a patient 32 off 37 balls, hitting one four and a six, while captain Vikas Charak contributed 19 runs. Aditya Sharma also added a quick 14 from 7 deliveries, but the Warriors kept losing wickets at crucial intervals, preventing them from posting a bigger total.
For Kishtwar Kings, Shahbaz Malik delivered the standout bowling performance, claiming 4 wickets for 30 runs in 3.5 overs, dismantling the Warriors’ top and middle order. Saqib Majeed also impressed with an economical spell of 1/13 in four overs, while Burhan Qazi and Rashid Kabir chipped in with a wicket each.
In reply, Kishtwar Kings had a shaky start, losing Akmal Afzal early, but Nasir Butt steadied the chase with 26 off 20 balls, striking two sixes. Faraaz Butt added 15, while skipper Mehmood Ur Rehman contributed a crucial 25 runs to keep the innings on track.
The match ultimately belonged to Burhan Qazi, who played a match-winning knock of 41 not out from 29 balls, hitting three boundaries and a six to guide his team home despite late wickets.
For the Warriors, Kewal Kotwal led the bowling effort with 2/18, while Dr Murtaza, Ajeet Kumar, Kapil, and Vikas Charak claimed one wicket each, but they were unable to stop the Kings’ late surge.
With this victory, Kishtwar Kings added valuable points in the league standings, thanks to strong bowling early on and a composed chase led by Burhan Qazi.
