GANDERBAL: In a nail-biting encounter at Sheikh-ul-Aalam Sports Ground, Kangan, JKP Ganderbal edged past Media 11 Ganderbal by two wickets to secure a memorable win in a high-voltage T20 match played on Saturday morning.
Winning the toss, JKP Ganderbal opted to field first, restricting Media 11 to 146/9 in their allotted 20 overs. Despite early setbacks, Media 11 staged a late recovery, courtesy of a blistering knock from Aarif Kasana, who remained unbeaten on 40 runs off just 25 deliveries, striking five boundaries and two sixes at a fiery strike rate of 160.
Earlier, Hadi Hidayat anchored the innings with a patient 32 off 50 balls, while captain Ayaaz Sofi chipped in with 12. Extras proved costly for JKP as they conceded 25 runs, including 23 wides.
JKP’s bowling attack was spearheaded by Wani Yasir (2/21) and Umar Hilal (2/26), while skipper SSP Ganderbal Khalil Ahmad Poswal and others added crucial breakthroughs.
Chasing 147, JKP Ganderbal found themselves under pressure as wickets fell at regular intervals. However, the match turned in their favour when Khurshid smashed a quickfire 29 off 14 balls, hitting two fours and three towering sixes at a staggering strike rate of 207.
Irfan Bilal also played a vital hand with 31 off 21 balls, keeping the scoreboard ticking. Despite losing wickets in the closing overs, contributions from Aaqib Rashid (14 off 7) and Mansoor Bhat (4* off 1) helped JKP cross the finish line with just seven balls to spare, posting 148/8 in 17.5 overs.
For Media 11, Aadil Colony was the standout bowler, scalping 4 wickets for 33 runs in his 3.5 overs, while Dr Irfan bowled economically to claim 2/15 in his full quota.