Ashar Nafees leads Northern Railway Cricket Academy to victory in Challenger League

New Delhi: Northern Railway Cricket Academy snapped their losing streak with a spirited 16-run victory over Delhi Gymkhana in the Junior Challenger League match played in West Patel Nagar here.

After winning the toss, Delhi Gymkhana elected to bowl first and appeared to have gained complete control of the contest when Northern Railway Cricket Academy slumped to 28 for six. However, vice-captain Ashar Nafees produced a remarkable rescue act, combining with Philip Kataria for a crucial 96-run partnership that revived the innings and laid the foundation for a competitive total.

Ashar played a match-defining knock of 76 runs, while Philip contributed 19 as the Railway Academy recovered to post 152 all out in their allotted 30 overs. Despite the recovery, the highlight of the innings was a memorable hat-trick by Delhi Gymkhana's 10-year-old right-arm medium pacer Mankeerat, who finished with impressive figures of four wickets for 20. Lakshya provided useful support with 2 for 25.

The victorious Northern Railway Cricket Academy team with coach Neeraj Sharma 

Chasing 153 for victory, Delhi Gymkhana fought hard but were bowled out for 136 in 27.2 overs. Karan Kumar top-scored with 33 runs, while Sonu added 15. Young pacer Mankeerat also chipped in with an unbeaten 14, but the target ultimately proved beyond reach.

Mankeerat celebrates his hat-trick 

Northern Railway Cricket Academy's bowlers delivered a disciplined performance, led by Jashan Chawla, who claimed four wickets for 29 runs. Vansh Prajapati picked up two for 21, while Arnav, Jiten Chawla and Naitik chipped in with a wicket apiece to ensure a memorable victory for their side.

Following the match, Northern Railway Cricket Academy coach Neeraj Sharma felicitated the players and encouraged them to continue striving for excellence through regular practice, hard work and discipline.

Brief Scores: Northern Railway Cricket Academy 152 all out in 30 overs (Ashar Nafees 76, Philip Kataria 19; Mankirat 4/20, Lakshya 2/25) beat Delhi Gymkhana 136 all out in 27.2 overs (Karan Kumar 33, Sonu 15, Mankirat 14 not out; Jashan Chawla 4/29, Vansh Prajapati 2/21) by 16 runs.

Tags : Northern Railways, Cricket, Neeraj Sharma, Delhi, Mankeerat