Srinagar, July 8: Hosts NIT Srinagar successfully defended their crown by defeating NIT Puducherry by 88 runs in the final of the All-India Inter-NIT Faculty & Staff Cricket Tournament (Men) 2026, securing their fourth title in the competition's history.
Congratulating the team, NIT Srinagar Director Prof. Binod Kumar Kanaujia praised the players for their outstanding performance and sportsmanship. He also appreciated the organising committee, officials, volunteers and participating institutes for making the tournament a grand success, stating that such events strengthen teamwork and foster closer ties among National Institutes of Technology.
After winning the toss, NIT Srinagar elected to bat and posted a commanding 187/4 in 20 overs. Wicketkeeper-batsman Suhail Baba starred with an unbeaten 64 off 32 balls, hitting seven fours and three sixes. Aaqib Sheikh contributed a fluent 50, while skipper Faisal Irshad added 29 to anchor the innings.
For NIT Puducherry, Ismail M was the most successful bowler with 2/30.
In reply, NIT Puducherry were bowled out for 99 in 18.1 overs, falling short by 88 runs. Muthu top-scored with 41, while Murugapandi S remained unbeaten on 16.
NIT Srinagar's bowlers delivered a clinical performance, with Dr. Mohsin claiming 3/13 and Dr. Majid Hussain taking 3/26. Dr. Shakeel Waseem chipped in with two wickets, while Mudasir Qadir and Shahid Hamid claimed one wicket each.
Suhail Baba was named Player of the Match for his unbeaten 64 and a wicket.
The Man of the Series and Best Batsman awards went to Aaqib Sheikh, who amassed 364 runs, including two centuries and a half-century. Ismail M of NIT Puducherry was declared Best Bowler with 11 wickets, while Akash Sharma of NIT Hamirpur received the Best Fielder award for effecting 14 dismissals.
Earlier, NIT Hamirpur secured third place by defeating NIT Jalandhar by 16 runs in the playoff match at the Physical Education College Ground, Ganderbal.
The valedictory ceremony was attended by Registrar Prof. Atikur Rehman, Dean Faculty Welfare Prof. Manzoor Ahmad Ahanger, SAS Officer Kowsar Ali Mir, faculty members, officials and representatives of participating institutes. The tournament concluded with the presentation of trophies, awards and mementoes, with organisers receiving appreciation for the successful conduct of the championship.
