Ashish Nehra Cricket Academy Charges Into Semifinals with Thrilling Win Slug: Nehra-Academy-Semifinals

Prayagraj : In a low-scoring but high-intensity quarterfinal match, the Ashish Nehra Cricket Academy secured its spot in the semifinals of the 5th KS Sports Trophy Under-14 Cricket Tournament. The team clinched a hard-fought four-wicket victory over St. Joseph School, Kunda, at the Chak Harihar Van Jhunsi ground on Sunday.

Winning the toss and batting first, St. Joseph School, Kunda, struggled to find momentum against a disciplined bowling attack. The team was bundled out for 96 runs in 28.4 overs. Rishabh Patel remained unbeaten on 12, while Ayush Yadav contributed 11 runs.

The wreckers-in-chief for Ashish Nehra Academy were Hrithik Tiwari, who claimed 3 wickets for 13 runs, and Yatharth Singh, who finished with impressive figures of 3 for 15. Their consistent lines and lengths kept the pressure high throughout the innings.

Chasing a modest target of 97, Ashish Nehra Cricket Academy faced some resistance from the Kunda bowlers but eventually crossed the finish line in 27.1 overs, finishing at 97/6.

Key contributions came from Abhijeet Mishra, who scored a vital 27, and Shaurya, whose unbeaten 21 guided the team home safely. Ashutosh Singh added 14 runs to the total. For St. Joseph, Shyam Singh Yadav bowled beautifully to take 3 wickets for 15 runs, while Yuvraj Shukla, Priyanshu, and Ayush Yadav took one wicket each.

Yatharth Singh was adjudged the Man of the Match for his pivotal three-wicket haul that set the tone for the game.

In a separate event at the Ganga Degree College Cup Under-14 Cricket, Chief Guest Nimish Khatri addressed the young athletes. He encouraged the budding cricketers to maintain sportsmanship and dedication, emphasizing that grassroots tournaments are the breeding ground for future national stars.

(Report by Zainul Abdin)