New Delhi, October 24, 2025 – The action at the Young Stars Cricket League (YSCL) Nationals 2025 intensified on Day 1 as the Surat Catamounts secured a hard-fought 5-wicket victory over the South Hurricanes in Match 2 at the Yamuna Sports Complex.
In a game characterized by dramatic collapses and brilliant individual brilliance, the Catamounts successfully chased down a target of 132, thanks largely to a blistering half-century from wicket-keeper Dk Dhaliwal and a captain’s bowling performance from Akshay Verma.
First Innings: Hurricanes Stumble Despite Extras
After being asked to bat, the South Hurricanes struggled to find rhythm against a disciplined Surat bowling attack. M Varshney provided some stability at the top of the order, scoring a gritty 35 runs off 40 balls (4 fours), but he lacked significant support from the other end.
The innings was marred by a flurry of wickets, with the middle order failing to capitalize. Mohd Huzaif Sheikh offered a brief spark with 15 runs off 15 balls, but the Hurricanes were heavily reliant on a massive 34 extras conceded by the opposition to push their score past 100.
The Surat Catamounts’ bowlers were relentless. Captain Akshay Verma led from the front, delivering a devastating spell of 3 wickets for just ~6 runs in 2.4 overs (Economy 2.25). He was well-supported by MD Zahid, who claimed 2 wickets, helping bowl out the South Hurricanes for 131 in 15.4 overs.
The Chase: Dhaliwal’s Fireworks Seal the Deal
Chasing 132 for victory, the Surat Catamounts faced an early scare as Hurricanes bowler Viyan Samant ripped through the top order, eventually finishing with impressive figures of 3 wickets.
However, the match was turned on its head by Dk Dhaliwal. The wicket-keeper batter played a sensational knock, smashing 53 runs off just 30 balls. His innings, studded with 6 fours and 4 sixes and a strike rate of over 176, completely shifted the momentum away from the Hurricanes. Saishav played a crucial finishing role, remaining unbeaten on 28 runs off 17 balls (3 fours, 1 six) to guide his team home.
Despite the early wobbles, the Catamounts reached the target with an over to spare, finishing at 132/5 in 15.0 overs.
Match Summary:
- South Hurricanes: 131/10 (15.4 Overs) | M Varshney 35, Viyan Samant 3 wkts
- Surat Catamounts: 132/5 (15.0 Overs) | Dk Dhaliwal 53 (30), Akshay Verma 3 wkts
- Result: Surat Catamounts won by 5 wickets.
- Player of the Match: Dk Dhaliwal (Surat Catamounts)
This victory gives the Surat Catamounts a perfect start to their Nationals campaign, while the South Hurricanes will look to address their batting inconsistencies before their next fixture.
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