By Muzamil Manzar
It was Saturday, and Bijbehara Premier League witnessed history when talent pipped experience, yes it was Bijbehara Cricket Association Juniors (BCA Juniors) who beat an experienced and strong side of BCC Bandipora comfortably by 7 wickets in the ongoing Bijbehara Premier League edition 4.
Going into the tournament they were given free entry by the organizers Bijbehara Cricket Association, a gesture which was praised by one and all throughout the valley. The team comprises of players from accross the valley and are barely into their 20’s but the saturday witnessed a new chapter in the cricketing history when they beat a team that like BCC Bandipora that comprised of players like Raja Saleem, Ishtiyaq Robby and other experienced players.
Their captain Muheeb Shafiq after winning the toss asked BCC to bat first, his bowlers were brilliant throught the innings overs and skittled BCC Bandipora at a below par 129 in the 20th over. The bowling charge was led by Amaan and Raqib who both accounted for 3 wickets each. BCC Bandipora batters looked all at sea while batting and crawled their way to a total that was below par. For a wee bit It did look like that BCC Bandipora will defend the total but the talented batter Basit Akbar had other ideas, he played a mature classic and a gritty knock. He was given a good company by another talented allrounder Raqib who already had done enough with the ball. Basit’s 63 off 50 and Raqib’s 27 off 20 architected the chase and BCA Juniors went on to register a comfortable 7 wicket win more than 2 overs to spare.
The win has come as an eye opener for everyone that if talent is given opportunity it will always shine. This is the team chosen by by Bijbehara Cricket Association in the Junior Tournament which was played last year at Bijbehara. Best performers in that tournament has been given chance to represent in the BPL2024. It was by no means a upset it was by no means a surprise it was a properly architected victory. BCA Juniors never looked like playing as Juniors, they had their plans up their sleeves and they executed them brilliantly. The whole cricket fraternity is proud of them and at the same time wish that other cricket associations take this initiative as well to help youngsters grow in the field of cricket.
