Srinagar, Dec 19: The National Institute of Technology (NIT) Srinagar on Thursday organized a grand reception, including a high tea, to celebrate its cricket team’s victory in the ‘All-India Inter-NIT Faculty and Staff Cricket Tournament’ played at Silchar Assam.
The tournament, hosted by NIT Silchar in Assam, concluded on Wednesday, where NIT Srinagar triumphed over NIT Hamirpur by 23 runs in a thrilling final. This year’s competition saw participation from 21 NITs across India, making the victory a remarkable achievement for the Srinagar team.
The team was welcomed by Incharge Director NIT Srinagar, Prof. Roohie Naaz Mir, Institute’s Registrar Prof. Atikur Rehman, SAS Officer Ms. Kowsar Ali Mir and other dignitaries.
Speaking on the occasion, Prof. Roohie Naaz, Incharge-Director NIT Srinagar, conveyed the message of Director NIT Srinagar Prof. Binod Kumar Kanaujia, who praised the team for their hard work and commitment. The victory in the Inter-NIT Cricket Tournament is a moment of immense pride for NIT Srinagar.
‘This achievement reflects not only the sporting talent within our institution but also the determination and teamwork of our faculty and staff. I encourage the team to maintain this momentum. Such accomplishments play a significant role in enhancing the institute’s reputation and fostering a culture of excellence,’ Prof. Kanaujia stated in his message.
On Tuesday, NIT Srinagar clinched the title by defeating NIT Hamirpur by 23 runs in a thrilling final match. Opting to bat first after winning the toss, the NIT Srinagar team, led by Captain Dr. Shakeel Waseem, posted a competitive total of 138/5 in allotted 15 over’s.
Faisal Irshad played a pivotal role, scoring an unbeaten 52 runs with four boundaries and a six. Aaqib Jan provided strong support with a blistering 38 off just 16 balls, which included five boundaries and two sixes. Sohail Ahmad Baba contributed 27 runs, while Shahid Hamid added 8 runs to the total.
Chasing 139 for victory, NIT Hamirpur struggled against NIT Srinagar’s disciplined bowling. Vivek Tiwari (15 off 15) and Neeraj Dhiman (24 off 16) showed some resistance, but they could not form a substantial partnership. Captain Surender Soni added 10 runs, while Akash Sharma (15) and Aman Kumar (13) made modest contributions.
However, the mounting required run rate added pressure, leading to their eventual score of 115/6 in the allotted 15 overs. NIT Srinagar’s bowling attack was led by Dr. Majid Hussain, who took 2 wickets for 22 runs, with Mustafa Zargar, Dr. Shakeel Waseem, and Dr. Janibul Bashir each taking a wicket.
Faisal Irshad was named Player of the Match for his crucial knock of 52 runs in 44 balls. Aaqib Jan emerged as NIT Srinagar’s highest run-scorer in the tournament, while Mustafa Zargar earned the title of highest wicket-taker. Additionally, Dr. Mohsin Shabir was recognized as the most economical bowler for NIT Srinagar.
The 14-member team from NIT Srinagar included Dr. Tanveer Rasool, Dr. Malik Parveez, Dr. Pankai Kumar, Dr. Shakeel Ahmad Waseem (Captain), Dr. Majid Hussain, Dr. Janibul Bashir, Mr. Faisal Irshad, Mr. Shahid Hamid, Dr. Syed Mohsin Shabir, Mr. Ghulam Mustafa Zargar, Mr. Tanveer Hussain, Mr. Sohail Ahmad Baba (Wicketkeeper), Mr. Zubair Yousuf, and Aaqib Jan. Their united efforts culminated in a historic win, bringing pride to the institute.
Earlier in the league stages, NIT Srinagar dominated with remarkable performances. Against NIT Manipur, they secured a massive 209-run victory.
Sohail Ahmad Baba was awarded Player of the Match for his explosive knock of 103 runs off just 26 balls. Mir Parvaiz contributed 63 runs, Aaqib Jan added 52, and Faisal Irshad chipped in with 28 runs. In the bowling department, both Dr. Mohsin and Dr. Shakeel took one wicket each.
In the quarterfinals, NIT Srinagar defeated NIT Silchar by 8 wickets. Malik Parvez scored 31 runs, while Faisal Irshad added 22. Dr. Mohsin and Mustafa Zargar took 2 wickets each, with Dr. Janibul Bashir claiming one. Dr. Mohsin was named Player of the Match.
In the semifinals, NIT Srinagar overcame MNIT Bhopal by 5 wickets. After MNIT Bhopal posted 157/5 in 15 overs, with Gurveer Singh scoring 68 and Gyan 36, NIT Srinagar chased the target in 12.5 overs.
Dr. Shakeel scored 40 runs in just 15 deliveries and played a captain’s knock to ensure the team is through to the finals, Aaqib Jan contributed 39 runs in 13 balls, and Shahid Hamid added 31 runs in 14 deliveries. Dr. Shakeel was declared Player of the Match.
