SRINAGAR: In a thrilling final match of the All-India Inter-NIT Students Cricket Tournament, NIT Kurukshetra edged past NIT Srinagar by a narrow margin of 9 runs at the NIT Silchar cricket ground in Assam. Opting to bat first after winning the toss, NIT Kurukshetra posted a target of 102 runs in their allotted 15 overs.
Ravi Panwar led the charge with 42 runs off 42 balls, supported by Naman Godara’s 17 runs. NIT Srinagar’s bowling unit showcased their skills, with Meer Yousuf taking 2 crucial wickets. Ahsan Ul Haq, Syed Ibrahim Kamili (captain), Yawer Hameed, and Toheed Ahmad each contributed with a wicket to restrict Kurukshetra to 102-7. In response, NIT Srinagar fought valiantly but fell short, managing 93-9 in 15 overs. Mohammad Huzaif (wicketkeeper) top-scored with 36 runs off 20 balls, while captain Syed Ibrahim Kamili added 17 runs.
Nikhil Thakur from NIT Kurukshetra shone with the ball, taking 3 wickets, while Nisarg Kapadia and Kartikey chipped in with 2 wickets each. Nikhil Thakur was declared Player of the Match for his outstanding performance. The prestigious tournament, hosted by NIT Silchar, witnessed participation from 31 NITs across India, making it a mega national event.
Director NIT Srinagar Prof. Binod Kumar Kanaujia, who congratulated the team for their hard work and commitment. Our students have showcased remarkable perseverance and skill, overcoming the challenges of subzero temperatures to excel on a national stage, he said. “This success reflects the spirit of NIT Srinagar—a commitment to excellence, no matter the odds. We remain dedicated to supporting such endeavors and fostering a culture of achievement,” Prof Kanaujia said in his message.
Institute's Registrar Prof. Atikur Rehman said that it is a proud moment for the Institute. The performance of our students in Guwahati reflects the hard work and dedication that NIT Srinagar stands for,” he said. Meanwhile NIT Srinagar expressed gratitude to Divisional Railway Manager (DRM) New Delhi Mr Sukhwinder Singh for confirming tickets for our students from Delhi to Silchar at the eleventh hour.
This timely support by Mr Sukhwinder and Mr Sanjay Jain (PA DRM) ensured a smooth and comfortable journey to Silchar, encouraging us to participate in national events with even greater enthusiasm. Earlier NIT Srinagar defeated NIT Jaipur in the semi-final by 45 runs. Batting first, NIT Srinagar scored 112 runs in 12 overs. Sheikh Tanveer smashed 38 runs off 21 balls, while Ahsan Ul Haq contributed 30 runs off just 7 balls.
In reply, NIT Jaipur could only manage 67 runs for 7 wickets. Yawer Hameed took 3 wickets, while Syed Ibrahim Kamili, Meer Yousuf, and Toheed claimed one wicket each. In the Quarter-final, NIT Srinagar defeated NIT Hamirpur by 6 wickets. NIT Hamirpur batted first, scoring 97-6 in 12 overs. Toheed picked up 3 wickets, and Syed Ibrahim Kamili grabbed 2 wickets. In the chase, Sheikh Tanveer’s blistering 58 runs off 28 balls and Adnan Fayaz’s 18 off 14 balls sealed the victory.
In the league match against NIT Silchar, NIT Srinagar won by 64 runs. Batting first NIT Srinagar scored 129-4 in 10 overs, with Junaid Un Nabi smashing 59 runs off 28 balls and Adnan Fayaz adding 42 runs off 19 balls. Mohammad Huzaif contributed 14 runs. In response, NIT Silchar managed 65-6 in 10 overs. Anujpratap Singh Bhadoria took 3 wickets, while Ahsan Ul Haq and Syed Ibrahim Kamili took 1 wicket each.
NIT Srinagar also defeated NIT Calicut by 11 runs. Batting first, NIT Srinagar scored 97 runs in 10 overs. Sheikh Tanveer scored 31 runs off 19 balls, and Adnan Fayaz contributed 24 runs off 12 balls. In reply, NIT Calicut scored 86-3 in 10 overs. Arnav Kulkarni (22 runs off 21 balls) and Abhi B (22 runs off 11 balls) led the resistance but fell short. SAS Officer Ms. Kowsar Ali Mir also congrulated the team and stated that exceptional performance of our students is truly inspiring. Their dedication and hard work have brought pride to NIT Srinagar, she added.
The team was accompanied by Mr. Sohail Ahmad Baba (SAS Assistant) and Abdul Hameed from the Activity Centre. Despite practicing in subzero temperatures in Kashmir, the NIT Srinagar students performed commendably, he said. “Our participation and remarkable performance in the national competition reflect their grit, dedication, and the rigorous practice students underwent despite the odds,” Mr Suhail added.
