Vanshaj’s 10-wicket match haul fires J&K into Buchi Babu semi-finals

Srinagar, Aug 24: Off-spinner Vanshaj Sharma produced a match-winning performance, claiming 10 wickets across both innings, as Jammu and Kashmir stormed into the semifinals of the All India Buchi Babu Invitation Cricket Tournament with a commanding 10-wicket victory over Baroda on Sunday.

Sharma, who picked up 6 for 65 in the first innings, added 4 more wickets in the second to finish with match figures of 10 for 139. His effort dismantled Baroda’s batting line-up and set up a straightforward chase for J&K.

After skittling Baroda for 176 on the opening day, J&K secured a 104-run lead with 280 in their first innings, driven by Qamran Iqbal’s 81 off 175 balls and Musaif Aijaz’s fluent 80 off 102. Abid Mushtaq chipped in with 49 runs before taking 4 for 74 with the ball in the second innings, as Baroda were restricted to 182 for 9 in 45 overs.

Chasing just 79 for victory, openers Yawar Hassan (48 not out) and Vivrant Sharma (34 not out) overhauled the target without loss in 24.3 overs, sealing a 10-wicket win and J&K’s spot in the semifinals.