Patna: The Shivnandan Paswan Memorial Invitation Cricket Tournament kicked off in style on Tuesday, February 25, at the Moinul Haq Stadium, with thrilling performances and standout individual displays. The opening day witnessed two exciting matches, highlighted by a scintillating century from Vikas Krishna that propelled Rajvanshi Nagar CC to a commanding victory.
Match 1: Rajvanshi Nagar CC vs PESU
Rajvanshi Nagar CC emerged victorious by seven wickets, thanks to a breathtaking unbeaten century by Vikas Krishna. Chasing a target of 163, Krishna smashed 101 runs off just 38 balls, including 5 fours and 12 sixes, to seal the win in just 12.1 overs. Shlok Kumar (28) and Raunit (27*) provided valuable support. Earlier, PESU posted 162/9 in 20 overs, with Piyush Kumar Singh top-scoring with 75 off 49 balls. Utkarsh (3/41) and Shlok Kumar (2/30) were the pick of the bowlers for Rajvanshi Nagar CC. Vikas Krishna was deservedly awarded the Player of the Match.
Match 2: Rising Star vs YMCC
Rising Star secured a 30-run win over YMCC, powered by Agastya’s half-century and Gulshan Kumar’s stellar bowling. Batting first, Rising Star posted 162 all out in 19.4 overs, with Agastya scoring 63 off 41 balls. Pankaj Kumar contributed 34 runs. In response, YMCC managed only 132/9 in 20 overs, despite Rishabh Rakesh (34) and Suraj Kashyap (30) showing resistance. Gulshan Kumar’s 3/20 and Mohammad Rafi’s 2/22 were instrumental in restricting YMCC. Gulshan was named Player of the Match for his all-round performance.
Tournament Inauguration
The tournament was inaugurated by BJP leader and former Union Minister Dr. Sanjay Paswan, who interacted with the players before the matches. The event was graced by several dignitaries, including Prabhavati Paswan (wife of late Shivnandan Paswan), former Ranji player Devkinandan Das, Bihar Senior Team coach Ashok Kumar, and others. Secretary Pankaj Anand extended a warm welcome to the guests.
Brief Scores:
PESU: 162/9 in 20 overs (Piyush Kumar Singh 75, Babul 34; Utkarsh 3/41, Shlok Kumar 2/30)
Rajvanshi Nagar CC: 167/3 in 12.1 overs (Vikas Krishna 101*, Shlok 28, Raunit 27*)
Rising Star: 162 all out in 19.4 overs (Agastya 63, Pankaj Kumar 34; Sanjeet 2/28, Satyam 2/19)
YMCC: 132/9 in 20 overs (Rishabh Rakesh 34, Suraj Kashyap 30; Gulshan Kumar 3/20, Mohammad Rafi 2/22)
