Jammu April 22:Cricket fever is gripping Jammu as the stage is set for the grand finale of the 1st Jambu Lochan T-20 Cricket Tournament, with top local teams ready to battle it out on Thursday. Mulan Cricket Club will face Rehari Kings XI in what promises to be an exciting contest between two in-form sides. Organized by the Jammu and Kashmir Masters Games Association, the tournament has witnessed thrilling performances at the iconic Maulana Azad Stadium, drawing significant attention from cricket lovers across the region.
In the first semifinal, Rehari Kings XI defeated Apex Cricket Club in a nail-biting encounter. After winning the toss, Rehari Kings XI elected to bat first and posted 139 runs for the loss of nine wickets in 20 overs. Puneet Kumar top-scored with 43 runs off 27 balls, hitting five fours and two sixes, while Vikas Lakhotra contributed 30 runs off 18 balls. For Apex Cricket Club, Rahul delivered an impressive bowling spell, claiming four wickets in four overs while conceding just 14 runs.
Chasing the target, Apex Cricket Club put up a strong fight, led by a brilliant innings from Sumit Kumar, who scored 76 runs off 50 balls with 11 fours and one six. The match went down to the final over, where Apex needed 20 runs to win. Sumit smashed 18 runs in the over, but with six runs required off the last ball, he managed only a boundary, as Rehari Kings XI secured a dramatic one-run victory. From the Rehari Kings XI side, Chahat Choudhary, Kewal, and Deepak Manhas took two wickets each, while Deep and Rahul picked up one wicket apiece. Deepak Manhas was declared Man of the Match for his all-round performance but sportingly handed over the award to Sumit Kumar in appreciation of his outstanding batting. The award was presented by Ajay Sharma General Secretary of the All J&K Power lifting Association, Sanjay Puri former national handball player and Amit Gupta MD Friends Dancing Institute.
In the second semifinal, Mulan Cricket Club registered a comprehensive victory over Tantray Sports Club. Batting first, Tantray Sports Club were bowled out for 84 runs in 17.2 overs, with Kanav scoring 27 runs off 38 balls. Rahul Jamwal starred with the ball for Mulan Cricket Club, taking four wickets for 17 runs in four overs, while captain Anchal Singh claimed three wickets for just 12 runs. In reply, Mulan Cricket Club chased down the target of 85 runs in just 9.2 overs, losing only one wicket. Akash Choudhary scored 40 runs off 26 balls, while Shaurya remained unbeaten on 40 off 24 balls to guide his team to an easy win. Vijay Dogra picked up the lone wicket for Tantray Sports Club. Rahul Jamwal was named Man of the Match, and the award was presented by Nariender Mahajan Former President of J&K Handball Association and Surjit Choudhary prominent sportsperson. With both teams in excellent form, an exciting final is on the cards as Mulan Cricket Club and Rehari Kings XI prepare to clash for the title.