Sultan Warriors, Elegant Strikers emerge victorious in Kashmir Cup double-header

Srinagar, Jul 11: Cricket lovers at the TRC Ground in Srinagar witnessed back-to-back thrillers on Friday as Sultan Warriors Sumerbugh and Elegant Strikers Srinagar registered narrow but crucial wins in the ongoing Kashmir Cup 2025 League Stage.

In the day’s opening match, Sultan Warriors Sumerbugh defeated JK XI Shopian by just 4 runs in a match that kept the spectators on their toes till the final delivery.

Opting to bat first, the Warriors posted a competitive total of 172 for 8 in 20 overs, with a blazing unbeaten 42 off 21 balls by Pranjal Singh Raikwal. Waseem Raza (40 off 30) and skipper Mohsin Ramzan (28 off 16) also chipped in with key contributions. JK XI Shopian responded strongly with skipper Adil Kachroo hammering 41 off just 19 balls, while Umar Gul added 33. The chase, however, faltered in the closing overs despite a fighting knock from Gowher Leggy (27*), as they were restricted to 168 for 8, falling short by a whisker.

Pranjal Singh proved to be the match-winner, contributing with both bat and ball (2/34), while Ishfaq Shah bowled a tight spell, claiming 2 for 21.

In the second match of the day, Elegant Strikers Srinagar chased down 136 with five wickets in hand and 14 balls to spare, overcoming Sky Stars Budgam in a disciplined all-round effort.

Batting first, Sky Stars Budgam managed 135 all out in 19.4 overs, with Aadil Guldon top-scoring with 48 off 43 balls and Shabir Lefty contributing 31. But the innings lost momentum due to a stunning bowling display from Gowhar Rashid, who finished with 3 for 9 in 3.4 overs, well supported by Tauqeer (3/16) and Nasir Rasool (3/39).

Elegant Strikers began their chase steadily and were led by an aggressive 52 off 30 balls by opener Lone Liyaqat. Despite losing a few wickets in the middle, they cruised to 138 for 5 in 17.4 overs, with Raja Tanveer finishing unbeaten on 16 off 7 balls.