Leh, Mar 28: A commanding century, a six-wicket burst, and a last-over defence headlined an action-packed day in the Tokdan Rinpoche Tournament 2.0, as Sham Brothers, Stakchik Brothers and Stob Shoogs emerged victorious in contrasting league encounters at the NDS Ground.
Sham Brothers delivered the most emphatic statement of the day, piling up a daunting 254 for 6 before routing Phyang Cricket Club by 138 runs. The innings was built around Norphal’s explosive 107 off 52 balls, an effort marked by sustained boundary-hitting, while Singay Namgail’s unbeaten 74 off just 29 deliveries accelerated the scoring rate beyond control in the closing overs.
Phyang Cricket Club never recovered from the early scoreboard pressure. Their chase faltered against disciplined bowling, with Tsering Stobgyal returning exceptional figures of 3 for 8, as the side limped to 116 for 9 in 20 overs. The mismatch was evident both in stroke execution and bowling discipline, with Sham Brothers dominating every phase of the contest.
Earlier in the day, Stakchik Brothers relied on a clinical bowling display to defend 170 against United Gunners. After being put in to bat, Stakchik’s innings revolved around Wangfail’s 52 and a quickfire 49 from Waseem Kachur, helping the side post a competitive total despite regular wickets.
United Gunners appeared well on course during the powerplay, with Kachur and Mohd Salim attacking from the outset. However, the chase unravelled dramatically in the middle overs as Yontan Singay produced a decisive spell, claiming 6 wickets for just 18 runs. His intervention halted momentum and exposed the lower order, eventually bundling the side out for 155 in 19 overs.
The closest contest of the day came in the third fixture, where Stob Shoogs held off a spirited chase by Nomadic Nyoma to secure an 8-run win. Batting first, Stob Shoogs posted 190 for 7, with Shujat’s 48 and Anis Rehman’s 42 providing the backbone, while late contributions ensured a competitive finish.
Nomadic Nyoma responded with intent, as Chemet Geylik and Tsering Paljor stitched together crucial partnerships to keep the required rate within reach. The chase remained alive deep into the final overs, but disciplined bowling at the death, particularly from Penba and Tinku Fauji Aligarh, ensured Stob Shoogs stayed marginally ahead.
The day’s proceedings reflected the varied nature of T20 cricket at the venue—flat conditions encouraging aggressive strokeplay, yet equally rewarding bowlers capable of exploiting pressure moments. While Sham Brothers asserted dominance with a comprehensive win, the other fixtures underlined the value of timely breakthroughs and composure in tight finishes.
