Mandi cricket team crowned U-14 champ

In a remarkable achievement, Mandi’s U-14 cricket team made history by winning its first-ever tournament organised by the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association.

The championship, which began on December 24, saw 12 teams from across the state competing in three groups. After a challenging start in the league stages, Mandi fought back fiercely to secure a spot in the quarterfinals and ultimately emerged as champions.

The tournament featured intense competition, with the top two teams from each pool advancing to the knockout rounds. Mandi’s journey to the final was not without its hurdles. Despite struggling in league matches, they managed to qualify for the quarterfinals, finishing 7th overall.

In a thrilling quarterfinal, Mandi triumphed over Solan on a first-innings lead, booking their place in the semifinals against Bilaspur. In the semifinals, Mandi won by a commanding 96-run margin, setting up a highly anticipated final clash with Una at International Stadium in Dharamshala.

The final match began with Una winning the toss and opting to bat first. Mandi faced early pressure as Una’s star bowler, Namish Kalia, dismantled Mandi’s top order, leaving the team struggling at 30 for 5. However, Captain Aadish Minhas and Vaidushya came to the rescue with a determined partnership. Aadish remained unbeaten on 53, while Vaidushya contributed a vital 45 runs before being dismissed, guiding the team to a total of 212 runs.

Rain delays disrupted play on the second day yesterday, but Mandi’s total of 212 proved sufficient for a commanding first-innings lead. Una’s response was met with early breakthroughs from Aadish, who removed both of their openers. Despite counterattacks from Anirudh Sharma and Sameer Singh Chauhan, Mandi’s bowlers kept a tight grip on the game. Aadish, with support from his teammates, took critical wickets, dismissing Una for just 155 runs and securing a 57-run lead.

Mandi’s second innings saw them finish at 46 for 2, clinching victory based on their first-innings lead. Captain Aadish Minhas was named Man of the Match for his all-round performance, while Arnav Thakur was honoured with the Man of the Series award for his consistent contributions throughout the tournament.

Mandi Cricket Association president Ajay Rana praised the team’s dedication and emphasised the association’s continued efforts to promote cricket at the grassroots in the region. This landmark win not only marks a significant achievement for the Mandi team but also highlights the growing strength of youth cricket in Himachal Pradesh.