The late KS Saxena memorial cricket tournament kicked off in emphatic fashion on Tuesday, with National Youth delivering a commanding 98-run victory over Bharat Club at the Kanpur South ground. The opening match of the tournament set a high standard for competition, showcasing strong batting and disciplined bowling.
National Youth Sets a Formidable Target
Winning the toss and opting to bat first, National Youth took full advantage of the conditions. Their batters played aggressively to post a challenging total of 236 runs for the loss of 8 wickets in their allotted 35 overs. The innings was built on a foundation of consistent partnerships, putting immediate pressure on the Bharat Club bowling attack.
Bharat Club's Chase Falls Short
In reply, the Bharat Club innings never quite found its momentum. Facing a steep required run rate, their batters struggled against a tight and attacking bowling performance from National Youth. Bharat Club was eventually bundled out for 138 runs, falling well short of the target. The comprehensive win highlighted National Youth's all-round superiority on the day.
Tournament Inaugurated with Ceremony
The tournament was officially inaugurated earlier in the morning by SN Singh, the president of the Kanpur Cricket Association (KCA). The opening ceremony was attended by several officials from the KCA, who gathered to honour the memory of late KS Saxena and promote cricket at the grassroots level in the region.
In a parallel women's cricket event, the KCA Green XI emerged victorious against the KCA Blue XI in a women's talent hunt cricket league match. The game, played at Sapru ground, saw KCA Green XI win by a margin of 28 runs, underscoring the growing focus and talent in women's cricket within Kanpur.
The successful opening day of the KS Saxena memorial tournament promises an exciting series of matches ahead, fostering local cricket talent and keeping the spirit of the game alive in Kanpur.
