The Jammu and Kashmir Under-16 cricket team etched its name into the record books by lifting the Vijay Merchant Trophy Plate Group title, marking the Union Territory’s maiden BCCI championship.
J&K sealed the four-day final in emphatic fashion, defeating Mizoram by an innings and 182 runs on the third day, finishing the contest with a day to spare.
Congratulating the young achievers, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah hailed the landmark triumph. “A historic BCCI title and a dominant victory that reflects the rising cricketing talent of Jammu & Kashmir,” read a post from the ‘X’ handle of the J&K Chief Minister’s Office.
Batting first, Mizoram were bundled out for a modest 100. J&K responded with a commanding display, piling up 400 runs in 95.1 overs to take a massive first-innings lead of 300 runs. Captain Smagey Khajuria led from the front with a polished 102 off 174 deliveries, striking 15 boundaries and a six, while Athrav Sharma remained unbeaten on 92 off 137 balls, hammering 17 fours and a six.
The bowlers then wrapped up the match in ruthless fashion, skittling Mizoram for 118 in 42.4 overs in their second innings on the third day. Sanil Singh (3/15), Jaskaran Singh (2/8) and Hammaad Firdous (2/22) delivered match-winning spells. Notably, Sanil Singh and Jaskaran Singh had earlier claimed three wickets each in Mizoram’s first innings as well.
The Vijay Merchant Trophy Under-16 competition, one of India’s premier junior cricket tournaments, continues to serve as a vital platform for emerging talent, with Jammu and Kashmir’s historic triumph signalling a new chapter for cricket in the Union Territory.(KINS)
