JK XI Shopian, Sopore Stallions win thrillers in Kashmir Cup double-header

Srinagar, Jul 2: In a day filled with high-octane action and nail-biting finishes, Sopore Stallions and JK Xi Shopian clinched crucial victories in their respective Kashmir Cup 2025 league matches at TRC Ground on Wednesday.

As per a release issued, both sides successfully defended their totals by identical margins of 10 runs.

In the opening fixture, JK XI Shopian posted a total of 130 runs in 19.1 overs before bowling out Hamdan Hurricanes Cricket Club for 120/8 in 20 overs, registering a narrow 10-run win.

Opting to bat first, Shopian lost early wickets but were rescued by a composed 46 off 32 balls from Junaid Mushtaq, who struck 8 boundaries and a six. Adil Wani (35 off 40) played a steady hand, while a late cameo from Aasif Manzoor (14 off 8) helped them reach a fighting total.

Hamdan Hurricanes responded with a disciplined bowling effort as Aqib Khan, Parveez Rasool, Zahid, and Saleem Mir picked up two wickets each. Zeeshan Zahoor also contributed with one wicket, stalling Shopian’s momentum in the death overs.

In the chase, Hamdan Hurricanes were off to a shaky start, losing wickets at regular intervals. While Parveez Rasool tried to anchor the innings with a patient 32 off 35 balls, and Faisal Dar added a quick 23, Shopian’s bowlers kept tightening the screws.

Aasif Manzoor delivered a brilliant spell, finishing with 2 for 11 in 4 overs, while Sahil Khan also scalped 2 for 29. Support came from skipper Adil Kachroo, Mehfuz Khan, Faizan Rouf, and Gowher Leggy, who picked up one wicket each, ensuring Hamdan Hurricanes fell short.

Sopore Stallions Hold Nerve

In the second match of the day, Sopore Stallions Cricket Club put up a total of 147/7 in their 20 overs and successfully defended it against Sky Stars Budgam, restricting them to 137/7, once again clinching the match by 10 runs.

Sopore’s innings was powered by an explosive knock from Gulzar Gully, who smashed 34 off 17 balls at a strike rate of 200, including 3 sixes.

Sky Stars’ bowling effort was highlighted by a phenomenal spell from Javid Jaddu, who picked up 3 wickets for just 15 runs. However, despite the breakthroughs, Sopore managed to post a challenging total.

Chasing 148, Sky Stars Budgam got off to a poor start, losing early wickets, but fought back through a determined 31-run innings from Mujeeb-ul-Haq and 22 from Shabir Lefty. The game remained evenly poised until the final few overs.

However, Sopore’s bowlers held firm under pressure. Sonu Singh picked up 3 wickets, while Zahid Nabi struck twice. Skipper Owais Baba and Mohammad Manzir also chipped in with a wicket apiece to wrap up a complete team performance.