Jammu: Jammu Panthers and Jammu Tigers advanced to the final of the YSS–JKSC Cricket Premier League after winning their respective semifinal matches at MA Stadium here.
In the first semifinal, Jammu Panthers edged past Kathua Heroes by three wickets in a closely contested match.
After winning the toss, Kathua Heros opted to bat first and posted 132/9 in their allotted 20 overs. Despite early setbacks, Sandeep Singh anchored the innings with an unbeaten 46 off 35 balls, hitting three boundaries.
Kathua Heros suffered a poor start as their top order collapsed, losing three wickets for just 13 runs. Harseerat Singh contributed 22 off 21 balls, while Manitvya Sharma added a quick 19 off 10 deliveries. Late contributions from Himanshu Sharma and Rohit Sharma helped the team cross the 130-run mark.
For Jammu Panthers, Deep was the standout performer with the ball, claiming 4 wickets for 18 runs in four overs. Captain A.N. Ahanger supported well with figures of 3/24, while Vishaavjeet Singh and Showkat Ahmad took a wicket each.
Chasing the target, Jammu Panthers reached 135/7 in 19.2 overs. Varun Kumar led the chase with a brisk 40 off 25 balls, including five fours and two sixes. Sami Ullah added 25 off 26 balls, while Daman Preet chipped in with 18 runs. Ahmed Farooq and Showkat Ahmad steered the team home in the final overs.
For Kathua Heros, Rohit Sharma took 3 wickets for 21 runs, while Manitvya Sharma claimed two wickets.
In the second semifinal, Jammu Tigers secured a 27-run victory over Udhampur Fighters to book their place in the final.
Batting first after Udhampur Fighters opted to field, Jammu Tigers posted a formidable total of 205/2 in 20 overs.
Shaurya provided a strong start with 50 off 33 balls, including seven fours and a six. He shared an 82-run opening partnership before being dismissed in the 10th over. Akash Choudhary continued the momentum with a well-crafted 59 off 41 balls.
The highlight of the innings was an unbeaten 65 off 33 balls by A.G., who struck four fours and four sixes. Captain Jatin remained not out on 20 off 13 balls as the Tigers crossed the 200-run mark.
For Udhampur Fighters, Munish and Sachin Sharma picked up one wicket each.
Chasing a target of 206, Udhampur Fighters began strongly with Sunil Kumar scoring a rapid 65 off 32 balls, including four fours and four sixes. Sachin Sharma added 47 off 31 balls to keep the chase alive.
However, the Tigers bowlers pulled things back in the latter half of the innings. Jaddu delivered a crucial spell, taking 2 wickets for 11 runs in two overs, while captain Jatin and Anchal Singh also picked up two wickets each.
Udhampur Fighters eventually finished at 179/8 in 20 overs, falling 27 runs short of the target.
With the victory, Jammu Tigers set up a final clash with Jammu Panthers in the tournament.
