Baramulla, Pulwama, Anantnag, Bandipora enter semifinals

Srinagar, Apr 27: The Directorate of Youth Services & Sports is organising its League of Classics cricket tournament at Anantnag and it is presently at quarterfinal stage witnessing thrilling encounters and remarkable performances, with Baramulla, Pulwama, Anantnag, and Bandipora emerging victorious to secure their places in the semifinals.

As per a DYSS statement issued on Monday, in a commanding performance, Anantnag defeated District Poonch by 7 wickets to advance to the semifinals. Batting first, Poonch posted a total of 111 runs, with Mohd Irfan scoring 30 and Mohd Umer contributing 20 runs. Anantnag bowlers Sahil Sabzar and Arjumand claimed two wickets each to restrict the opposition. In reply, Anantnag chased down the target comfortably, led by a splendid knock from Arjumand, who scored 46 runs off just 22 balls, while Zaid Fayaz added 31 runs. Arjumand was declared Man of the Match for his outstanding all-round performance, which included 3 wickets.

Baramulla registered a dominant 8-wicket victory over Kathua to storm into the semifinals. Kathua, batting first, managed 92 runs, with Tushar top-scoring with 31 runs. Baramulla’s bowling attack was led by Shahid, who took 3 wickets, while Aaib and Mahraj picked up 2 wickets each. In response, Baramulla chased the target with ease, losing just 2 wickets. Owais played an unbeaten innings of 55 runs, supported by Rashid Riyaz’s 21 runs. Owais Shala was named Man of the Match and has notably scored three consecutive half-centuries in the tournament.

aIn another quarterfinal clash, Pulwama defeated Srinagar by 33 runs to secure a semifinal berth. Batting first, Pulwama posted a total of 138 runs, with Adnan scoring 30, Zahid adding 24, and Musaib Gulzar contributing 20 runs. For Srinagar, Ather and Irfan claimed two wickets each. In reply, Srinagar could only manage 104 runs, with Hazik scoring 27 runs. Pulwama’s Sameer delivered a match-winning spell, taking 4 crucial wickets and earning the Man of the Match award.

Meanwhile, Bandipora also booked their place in the semifinals by defeating Doda in their quarterfinal encounter.