Sultan Warriors, Royal Goodwill enter quarterfinals of Ramhall Cricket League

Handwara, Aug 16: Sultan Warriors Baramulla and Royal Goodwill Srinagar marched into the quarterfinals of the ongoing Ramhall Cricket League 2025 with commanding victories in their respective pre-quarterfinal clashes at Shaheen Sports Field, Pandithpora Handwara, on Saturday.

In the first game, Sultan Warriors outclassed Bhat Lions Kupwara by eight wickets in a one-sided contest. After opting to bowl first, the Warriors restricted Bhat Lions to just 118 in 17.2 overs. Skipper Sajid Rafeeq (25 off 22), Afaz Hanief (20 off 20), and Ovais Shah (19 off 10) showed glimpses of fight, but lack of partnerships hurt the Lions. Sultan Warriors’ bowling was spearheaded by Nadeem Bhat (3/14) and Samar (3/31), while Aazim Rather chipped in with 2/24.

In reply, Sultan Warriors made short work of the chase, romping home in just 10.1 overs. Hazil produced a breathtaking innings of 65 not out of 28 balls, smashing six fours and five sixes to dismantle the opposition.

Zahoor Xolo (28 off 19) and Waseem Kachur (14* off 5) provided support as the Warriors finished at 119/2, winning with 47 balls to spare. Hazil’s explosive knock earned him the Player of the Match award.

In the second pre-quarterfinal, Royal Goodwill Srinagar defeated Sadiq Cricket Club Hajin by six wickets in a thrilling chase. Batting first, Hajin posted 144/9 in their allotted 20 overs, with Waseem Akram’s gritty 42 (34), supported by Omar Parray (21 off 11) and Amir Boon (26 off 16). For Srinagar, Nasir Ganie starred with the ball, claiming 3/24, while Rithik Singh bagged 2/20.

Chasing 145, Royal Goodwill began briskly but lost wickets in the middle overs. Aadil Reshi anchored the innings with 45 off 34 before Anuj Kumar (40* off 26) and Aaqib Mir (28* off 20) held their nerves to complete the chase with 11 balls remaining. For Hajin, Towseef Lefty bowled an economical spell of 1/23 in 4 overs. Nasir Ganie was adjudged Player of the Match for his crucial bowling performance.