Jammu, Mar 15 (JKNS): Jammu Panthers edged past Kathua Heros by three wickets in a closely contested first semifinal of the YSS-JKSC Cricket Premier League Jammu at MA Stadium on Saturday while, Jammu Tigers booked their place in the final after defeating Udhampur Fighters by 27 runs in the second semifinal on Sunday.
In the first semifinal, after winning the toss, Kathua Heros opted to bat first and posted a modest total of 132/9 in 20 overs. Despite early setbacks, Sandeep Singh played a crucial innings, remaining unbeaten on 46 off 35 balls, hitting three boundaries to anchor the innings.
Kathua Heros struggled in the early stages as their top order collapsed quickly, losing three wickets for just 13 runs. Harseerat Singh contributed 22 off 21 balls, while Manitvya Sharma added a quick 19 off 10 deliveries to stabilize the innings briefly. Late contributions from Himanshu Sharma and Rohit Sharma helped push the total past 130.
For Jammu Panthers, Deep delivered a standout bowling performance, claiming 4 wickets for 18 runs in his four overs, effectively restricting the opposition. Captain A.N. Ahanger also bowled well, picking up 3 wickets for 24 runs, while Vishaavjeet Singh and Showkat Ahmad chipped in with a wicket each.
In reply, Jammu Panthers chased down the target with 135/7 in 19.2 overs, though the chase was not without drama. The team lost early wickets but recovered through a vital partnership between Varun Kumar and Sami Ullah. Varun Kumar top-scored with a brisk 40 off 25 balls, striking five fours and two sixes, while Sami Ullah added 25 off 26 balls to steady the innings.
Daman Preet also contributed a useful 18 runs, helping the Panthers maintain the required run rate before Ahmed Farooq and Showkat Ahmad guided the side to victory in the final overs.
For Kathua Heros, Rohit Sharma impressed with the ball, taking 3 wickets for 21 runs, while Manitvya Sharma picked up two wickets to keep the contest alive until the closing stages.
With this win, Jammu Panthers advance to the final, keeping their title hopes alive after a hard-fought semifinal victory.
In the second semifinal, batting first after Udhampur Fighters opted to field, Jammu Tigers posted a formidable 205/2 in 20 overs, riding on strong contributions from their top order.
Shaurya gave the Tigers a solid start with a brisk 50 off 33 balls, striking seven fours and a six. He shared an 82-run opening stand before being dismissed in the 10th over. Akash Choudhary continued the momentum with a well-compiled 59 from 41 deliveries, anchoring the innings during the middle overs.
The highlight of the innings came from A G, who played a scintillating unbeaten knock of 65 off just 33 balls, smashing four fours and four sixes at a strike rate close to 200. Captain Jatin supported him with an unbeaten 20 off 13 balls, ensuring the Tigers crossed the 200-run mark with a healthy run rate of 10.25 per over.
For Udhampur Fighters, Munish and Sachin Sharma picked up one wicket each, but the bowling unit struggled to contain the aggressive Tigers batting lineup.
Chasing a challenging target of 206, Udhampur Fighters started positively. Sunil Kumar led the charge with a blistering 65 off 32 balls, including four fours and four sixes, while Sachin Sharma contributed 47 from 31 balls, keeping the chase alive in the first half of the innings.
However, once the Tigers bowlers struck in quick succession, the momentum shifted. Jaddu delivered a crucial spell, claiming 2 wickets for 11 runs in 2 overs, while captain Jatin and Anchal Singh also took two wickets each to derail the chase.
Despite brief resistance from the middle order, Udhampur Fighters could only reach 179/8 in their 20 overs, falling 27 runs short of the target.
With this victory, Jammu Tigers advance to the final of the tournament. (JKNS)
