Leh, Apr 9: Disciplined bowling spells and measured batting efforts shaped the outcomes of two closely contested league matches in the Tokdan Rinpoche Tournament 2.0 at the NDS Ground on Wednesday, with Stob Shoogs and Star Wars emerging victorious through contrasting yet controlled performances.
Stob Shoogs secured a 59-run win over Changthang Shan in a match where bowlers dictated the pace after a modest first innings total. Electing to bat, Stob Shoogs were bowled out for 150 in 20 overs, with contributions spread across the order rather than anchored by a single dominant innings. Shujat, Ajaz (Dargoo) and Sarfaraz Ahmed each made 29, offering brief but useful resistance at different stages of the innings.
The total, while competitive, appeared within reach until Stob Shoogs’ bowlers dismantled the chase with precision. Changthang Shan were dismissed for 91 in 14.5 overs, struggling to build partnerships against a disciplined attack. Ajaz (Dargoo) led the effort with three wickets at an economy of 2.35, while Skalzang D Kalyan and Mustafa (Lucky) matched the impact with three wickets each.
According to the detailed scorecard on page 4, Changthang Shan lost wickets at regular intervals after the powerplay, with no batter crossing the 20-run mark, reflecting sustained pressure and limited scoring opportunities throughout the innings.
In the second fixture, Star Wars held their nerve to register a 19-run win over United Thang in a match that featured fluctuating momentum. Batting first, Star Wars posted 167 for 9 in 19.1 overs, largely driven by Liyaqat Ali’s 53 off 30 deliveries and a brisk 34 from Javid Akhtar.
Despite frequent wickets, the innings was held together by timely contributions across the middle order, while a high number of extras further bolstered the total.
United Thang’s response was aggressive but short-lived. The chase, detailed on page 4 of the scorecard, saw a rapid scoring rate but a lack of stability, as wickets fell at critical junctures. Javid Akhtar’s 34 and late hitting from Raza and Fida briefly threatened to shift momentum, but the innings eventually folded at 148 in just 13 overs.
Zakir Hussain and Aziz Garu played decisive roles with the ball, claiming four wickets each, while Javid Akhtar contributed with three wickets, underlining a collective bowling effort that countered the opposition’s aggressive approach.
The two fixtures reflected a broader pattern in the tournament — matches increasingly shaped by disciplined bowling units capable of capitalising on modest totals, as well as batting line-ups that favour acceleration but remain vulnerable to sustained pressure. While Stob Shoogs relied on control and consistency, Star Wars prevailed through timely breakthroughs in a high-tempo contest.
