Jammu, Apr 25: Utkarsh Koul and Ashutosh Mahajan powered Safran Junior Cricket Club to a thrilling 1-wicket victory over Crossway Cricket Academy in the ongoing Cricket for Excellence-2 U-19 One Day Tournament, being jointly organised by Safran Cricket Club and Country Cricket Academy at Country Cricket Stadium Gharota, near here.
Earlier, batting first, Crossway Cricket Academy scored a modest total of 163 runs in 38.3 overs. Manitvya top scored with 60 runs off 60 balls, studded with 11 boundaries, while Nishant Singh Langeh contributed 32 runs off 36 balls with 6 fours. Utkarsh Koul was the pick of the bowlers, who took 4 wickets by conceding 33 runs in his 4 10 overs, while Lakshya bagged 3 wickets by giving away 42 runs in 9.3 overs.
In reply, Safran Junior Cricket Club chased the target in 40.5 overs by losing 9 wickets, thus won the match in a thrilling contest by one wicket. Ashutosh Mahajan top scored with 50 runs off 46 balls, studded with 6 boundaries, while Lakshya contributed 31 runs to the total. Vansh Bamotra scored valuable unbeaten 14 runs and held his nerves when it mattered the most as his team was struggling at 148/9 while chasing a target of 164 runs.
For Crossway Cricket Academy, Pranav Sharma took 4 wickets by conceding 65 runs in 10 overs.
The Tournament. an initiative of Country Cricket Club and Safran Cricket Club, is being held under the overall supervision of Vikrant Sharma and Sarthak Khoda.
Six teams are taking part in this tournament. The participating teams include Safran Cricket Club, Jammu Strikers, Crossway Academy, Katra Academy, Weekend Warriors and Red Capes XI.
