Srinagar, Dec 26: Jammu and Kashmir registered a commanding 142-run victory over Assam in their Vijay Hazare Trophy Elite Group match at the Niranjan Shah Stadium in Rajkot on Friday, riding on a superb maiden century by young batter Yawer Hassan and a disciplined bowling effort led by spinner M Ashwin.
Asked to bat first after Assam won the toss, J&K made full use of the conditions to post a formidable 341 for 7 in their allotted 50 overs, their highest total of the season so far.
Openers Qamran Iqbal and Shubham Khajuria laid a solid foundation, adding 69 runs for the first wicket. Khajuria looked fluent, playing a series of classy drives before being trapped leg-before for 39 off 36 balls, striking seven boundaries. Qamran, after a cautious start, steadied himself to compile a composed 55 off 71 deliveries, anchoring the innings at the top.
The innings truly took shape with the arrival of Yawer Hassan at No. 3, who batted with remarkable maturity and intent. Rotating the strike early and punishing loose deliveries, Yawer gradually shifted gears to dominate the middle and death overs. His partnerships, including a crucial stand with Qamran, Samad, and later with Rydham Sharma, ensured J&K never lost momentum.
Yawer brought up his maiden List-A hundred in style and eventually fell for a brilliant 138 off 109 balls, laced with 13 fours and four sixes, setting the tone for a massive total.
Abdul Samad (24) provided a brief cameo, while wicketkeeper Rydham Sharma, drafted into the side following Kanhaiya Wadhawan’s injury, impressed on debut with a lively 35 off 28 balls, showcasing range and composure at the back end. Late runs from Auqib Nabi (15 off 8) and Yudhvir Singh (15* off 4) pushed J&K past the 340 mark.
In reply, Assam were never in the chase and were bundled out for 199 in 36.1 overs. Skipper S C Ghadigaonkar top-scored with 53, while Denish Das made 33, but Assam lost wickets at regular intervals.
Spinner M Ashwin was the standout bowler, claiming 5 for 34, while Yudhvir Singh picked up two wickets. Support came from Abid Mushtaq, Nasir Lone, and Abdul Samad, as J&K sealed one of their most emphatic victories of the tournament.
Yawer Hassan was later named Player of the Match for his outstanding century.