Leh, Mar 26: An explosive 85 off just 25 deliveries by Tsering Namgial lit up proceedings at the Nawang Dorjay Stobdan Stadium on Wednesday, headlining a day of high-scoring encounters and tense finishes in the ongoing second Padma Bhushan His Eminence Chosje Togdan Rinpoche Memorial T20 Tournament. The blistering knock not only powered Changthang Shan to a dramatic chase but also set the tone for a day that witnessed dominant wins, a daring pursuit, and a narrow last-over escape across three matches at the NDS Ground in Leh.
The standout moment came in the second fixture, where Changthang Shan chased down a target of 169 against Ladakh Cricket Club with three wickets in hand. After Ladakh Cricket Club posted 168 for 6, built on Jigmet17’s fluent 67 and Tsang Dorjay Chomal’s 49, the chase appeared uncertain following early setbacks. However, Tsering Namgial turned the contest on its head with a breathtaking counterattack, dispatching bowlers with authority and maintaining a relentless scoring rate. His 85-run blitz, executed with precision and control, carried Changthang Shan to victory in 18.1 overs, sealing the match on the first ball of the penultimate over.
Earlier in the day, The Boys Nubra registered a commanding 67-run victory over Tharpaling Club in the opening encounter. Opting to bat first, Nubra compiled 181 for 7 in 20 overs, anchored by Tsering Wangdan’s composed 65 off 50 balls and supported by Mohd Hussain’s quick 55. The innings was marked by steady partnerships that ensured a competitive total despite a brief middle-order slowdown.
Tharpaling Club, in response, failed to build momentum after losing early wickets. Tsefel’s 44 and Pame Pasha’s 29 offered some resistance, but disciplined bowling from Nubra curtailed any hopes of recovery. Wangdan led the bowling effort with four wickets, while Nawang Dorjay matched the tally, bundling out Tharpaling for 114 in 17.4 overs.
The final match of the day provided another closely fought contest, with DK Club edging past University of Ladakh Taru Campus by three runs. DK Club posted 179 for 6, riding on Tsewang Thinlas’ 67 and a brisk 43 from captain Tundup Namgyal, setting up a competitive finish.
In reply, University of Ladakh Taru Campus came within touching distance of the target, largely due to a remarkable unbeaten 106 from M V Wani. Anchoring the chase almost single-handedly, Wani kept his side in contention until the final overs. However, DK Club held firm under pressure, with crucial breakthroughs from Ahmad Hussain and Konchok Cubs ensuring that the target remained just out of reach, as the innings closed at 176 for 3.
The day’s play reflected the competitive balance of the tournament, where commanding batting displays, disciplined bowling efforts, and moments of individual brilliance combined to produce engaging contests and unpredictable outcomes.
