Kathua: CMO XI put up a spirited all-round performance to register a 16-run victory over PWD XI in a keenly contested match of the ongoing Kathua Admin Cup cricket tournament played here Tuesday.
After winning the toss and opting to bat first, CMO XI posted a competitive 148 runs for 6 in the stipulated 20 overs. Amit Jasrotia anchored the innings with a composed 58-run knock in 37 balls, while Sanjeevan added valuable runs with 17 off 13 balls. Qayoom chipped in with 19 runs in 30 balls, ensuring a defendable total on the board.
PWD XI bowlers kept things tight, with Arun Kumar delivering an impressive spell of 3 wickets for 18 runs in four overs. Pankaj Singh supported well, picking up 2 wickets for 19 runs, while Surinder claimed one wicket for 12 runs.
Chasing the target, PWD XI fought hard but was restricted to 132 runs, falling short by 16 runs. Rohit Sharma led the chase with a gritty 53 off 52 balls, studded with five boundaries, while Pankaj Singh provided late impetus with a quick 18 off 12 balls, including a four and a six.
CMO XI bowlers held their nerve in the crucial stages of the match. Karan Sharma emerged as the standout performer with a match-winning spell of 3 wickets for 11 runs in four overs. He was well supported by Amit Jasrotia, who picked up 2 wickets for 23 runs in his quota of 4 overs, while Vinayak Sharma and Swaran chipped in with one wicket each.
Amit Jasrotia was declared Man of the Match for his fine all-round show, scoring 58 runs with five fours and two sixes, besides taking two wickets to steer CMO XI to a 16-run win.
The thrilling contest kept spectators engaged till the final overs and highlighted the competitive spirit and sportsmanship on display in the Kathua Admin Cup.
