Centuries, spin magic and fireworks seal victory

Srinagar, Aug 20: The Jammu & Kashmir Cricket Association (JKCA) cricket team announced their arrival in the All India Buchi Babu Invitation Cricket Tournament with a commanding all-round display, outclassing Indian Railways on Wednesday.

Centuries from Qamran Iqbal and Musaif Aijaz set the tone on Day 1, before left-arm spinners Abid Mushtaq and Vanshaj Sharma spun a web around Railways. A quickfire unbeaten knock from Musaif in the chase sealed J&K’s emphatic win.

Day 1: J&K’s batting masterclass

J&K openers laid a rock-solid foundation. Qamran Iqbal produced a stylish innings, bringing up a brilliant century that anchored the top order. At the other end, Musaif Aijaz also rose to the occasion, stroking his way to a well-crafted ton, ensuring Railways’ bowlers toiled hard throughout the day.

Supported by useful contributions from the middle order, J&K piled up a massive 393/5 before declaring, leaving Railways with a daunting task ahead.

Day 2: Railways’ reply and spin choke

Railways began their reply brightly, thanks to Mrunal Devdhar (49 off 50) and Ashish Singh (35 off 29), who added 68 for the first wicket. The platform looked promising, but the dismissal of Devdhar by Abid Mushtaq triggered a collapse.

Skipper Vivek Singh (45) and Dinesh Mor (42) tried to steady the innings, but the relentless spin duo of Abid Mushtaq (5/131) and Vanshaj Sharma (4/92) dismantled the middle and lower order. From 110/2, Railways slipped to 238 in 44.3 overs.

J&K’s chase, Musaif finishes the job

Chasing 238, J&K lost Qamran Iqbal cheaply for 6, stumped off Akash Pandey. But any hopes Railways harboured were quickly quashed by Musaif Aijaz’s counter-attack. The young batter smashed 40 not out off 37 balls, including 3 fours and 3 sixes, while Yawar Hassan provided calm support with 22 off 60 balls.

By stumps, J&K had cruised to 63/1, well on track to wrap up the game. Their dominance from Day 1 carried through to the final chase, ensuring Railways never stood a chance.