Srinagar, Tuesday— The TRC Ground in Srinagar was filled with excitement as thousands of cricket enthusiasts gathered to witness the 15th match of the Kashmir Cup, played in IPL-style between two arch-rivals of the Kashmir Valley: Sultan Warriors Baramulla and Royal Goodwill Cricket Club.
In a nail-biting finish, Royals emerged victorious by a slender margin of two runs, making it one of the most thrilling matches of the tournament. Winning the toss, the Sultans’ skipper invited Royals to bat first, and the decision seemed justified early on. However, Royals’ batsmen Ishtiyaq Rasool and Asim Bashir turned the tide. Rasool’s explosive innings of 79 runs from just 28 balls, coupled with Bashir’s steady 51, set the foundation for a formidable total. Skipper Aqib Mir further added 44 runs, bringing Royals’ total to 220 for six in their allotted 20 overs.
Chasing a target of 221, the Sultans had a fiery start with an 87-run opening partnership between Zahoor Xolo and Waseem Kachru. Kachru, who was dismissed for 59 by Rouf Bashir, set the platform, and Xolo continued the onslaught with a brisk 64 before being run out. As the Sultans faltered after Xolo’s departure, Saleem Mir’s heroic attempt to clinch victory brought the game down to the final ball, with the Sultans needing seven runs to win. Despite a valiant effort, Saleem’s powerful shot fell just short of the boundary, resulting in a four and a heart-wrenching two-run defeat for the Sultans.
Ishtiyaq Rasool was named Player of the Match for his explosive 79, while Rouf Bashir, who claimed four crucial wickets, received the Game Changer award.
The Kashmir Cup, organized by Dalgate Sports Club, continues to draw massive crowds, setting new attendance records with each match. The tournament has become a major highlight of the cricket season in the valley.
