In a nail-biting finish at the Akhilesh Das Gupta Stadium in Lucknow on Sunday, the Delhi Electronic Media XI emerged victorious, lifting the coveted Akhilesh Das Gupta All Media Cricket trophy. They defeated the Uttar Pradesh Sport Journalists Association (UPSJA) team by a narrow margin of just 4 runs in a high-scoring encounter.
Thrilling Cricket Final Decided in Last Over
Choosing to bat first after winning the toss, Delhi Electronic Media XI posted a competitive total of 160 runs for the loss of 5 wickets in their allotted 20 overs. The innings was anchored by a solid knock from Nikhil Naz, who scored 46 runs off 35 balls, hitting three boundaries and a six. He received valuable support from Bhanu Pratap, who contributed 33 runs, and Sawan, who added 17 runs to the board.
In response, the UPSJA team fought valiantly but fell agonizingly short of the target. They were bowled out for 156 runs in 19.3 overs, handing the trophy to the Delhi side. For his match-defining all-round performance, Nikhil Naz was adjudged the 'Man of the Match'.
Other Sporting Highlights from Uttar Pradesh
The sporting weekend in Uttar Pradesh was bustling with activity across multiple disciplines. At the KD Singh 'Babu' Stadium, the state senior women's boxing championship commenced with fierce competition. On the first day, pugilists Harshita Mishra (Prayagraj), Kajal (Varanasi), Rashmi Baghel (Agra), and Aman Khan (Aligarh) showcased exceptional skill in the light fly weight (45-48kg) category. All four secured their spots in the quarterfinals, setting the stage for an exciting tournament ahead.
Meanwhile, the greens of the Lucknow Golf Club hosted the two-day CII UP Golf Tournament. The event saw impressive performances across categories. Elakshi Dhaon Rathod triumphed in the sub-juniors section, while Tabish Ahmad won the juniors title. Other notable winners included Rakesh Seth (senior veterans), YK Goel (veterans), and Shikhar, Rajneesh Sethi, and Bharat Thapar in various handicapped categories. Rishi Khanna was crowned the overall winner of the tournament.
Mega Box Cricket Trials Announced for UP Talent
In a significant development for grassroots sports, the GM Box Cricket Association (GMBCA) has announced ambitious plans to scout talent across Uttar Pradesh. The association will launch Mega Tennis Ball Box Cricket Trials with the goal of selecting 13,000 talented boys and girls for its inaugural Season 1 Players Pool.
The trials are designed to be inclusive and wide-reaching. They are open to both boys and girls aged between 15 and 45 years. The selection process will be conducted district-wise across every corner of Uttar Pradesh, ensuring no talent hub is missed. The massive exercise is scheduled to commence from January 2026 onwards and will be held at multiple venues to facilitate easy participation.
This initiative promises to be a major platform for aspiring cricketers in the state, offering them a structured pathway to showcase their skills and potentially embark on a formal sporting journey.
