Semi-Final spectacle sets stage for grand finale

Jammu, Dec 12: The Big Cricket League 2024 witnessed electrifying action on Day 9 as the semi-finals unfolded at Kot Tawa, leaving fans on the edge of their seats. Two thrilling encounters decided the finalists, setting the stage for an epic showdown between Swachhta Strikers and Mulan CC in tomorrow’s grand finale.

The first semi-final was a nail-biting affair between Swachhta Strikers and Chief Secretary XI. Winning the toss, Swachhta Strikers opted to bat first, which proved fruitful as they posted a massive total of 210 runs. The batting heroics were led by Sahil Balwal and Amir Ashraf, who built a solid foundation for their team. Sahil played a match-defining innings, smashing 75 runs with precision and power, while Amir contributed a quick-fire 58, keeping the scoreboard ticking.

Chasing the daunting target, Chief Secretary XI put up a spirited fight, with Danish Fayaz delivering a remarkable unbeaten century. Danish’s 110-run masterclass kept his team in the hunt until the very last over. However, despite his heroic efforts, Chief Secretary XI fell short by 11 runs, unable to overcome the disciplined bowling attack of Swachhta Strikers.

For his brilliant 75-run knock, Sahil Balwal was adjudged the Man of the Match. Speaking after the game, Sahil credited the team’s collective effort and expressed excitement about competing in the final.

The second semi-final saw Mulan CC facing off against Infra Business. After winning the toss, Mulan CC elected to bowl first, and their strategy paid off as they restricted Infra Business to a modest total of 146 runs. The bowling attack was led by Kulvinder Singh, who claimed three crucial wickets, while Ankush Bandral and Anchal chipped in with two wickets each, dismantling Infra Business’s batting lineup effectively.

In response, Mulan CC exhibited sheer dominance. Spearheaded by an all-round performance from Ankush Bandral, they chased down the target in just 15 overs, losing only two wickets along the way. Ankush played a sensational knock of 60 runs off just 30 balls, showcasing his aggressive batting style. His ability to contribute with both bat and ball was instrumental in Mulan CC’s comprehensive victory.

For his stellar all-round performance, Ankush Bandral was declared the Man of the Match. Ankush expressed gratitude to his teammates for their support and promised fans an exciting contest in the final.

With the semi-finals concluded, the stage is now set for the much-anticipated grand finale between Swachhta Strikers and Mulan CC. Both teams have shown exceptional skill, grit, and determination throughout the tournament, making the final a fitting climax to the Big Cricket League 2024.

The tournament’s success wouldn’t have been possible without the relentless efforts of the team from 92.7 BIG FM. The core team working tirelessly to ensure the smooth execution of the event includes Vikrant Sharma, Cluster Head - Rest of North, RJ Juhie, Radio Jockey, Siddharth Mahajan, Area Manager - J&K, and Ahmer Ikhlaq, Sr. Sales Account Manager

Their dedication and commitment to making the Big Cricket League a resounding success have not gone unnoticed, as they seamlessly blend entertainment with social responsibility.

Organised by 92.7 BIG FM in collaboration with the Department of Rural Sanitation, J&K, the league has beautifully merged cricketing excellence with the noble message of cleanliness under the theme “Let’s Swing for Swachhta.”