SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir Under-16 cricket team won the Vijay Merchant Trophy Plate Group title, securing the Union Territory’s first-ever BCCI championship, after defeating Mizoram by an innings and 182 runs on the third day of the final on Tuesday. JK sealed the four-day match with a day to spare.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah congratulated the team on the historic victory, calling it a “dominant win that reflects the rising cricketing talent of Jammu Kashmir,” according to the JK Chief Minister’s Office’s X handle.
Chief Minister has congratulated the J&K U-16 cricket team on winning the Vijay Merchant Trophy for the first time. A historic BCCI title and a dominant victory that reflects the rising cricketing talent of Jammu & Kashmir.
— Office of Chief Minister, J&K (@CM_JnK) January 6, 2026
JK took a commanding first-innings lead of 300 runs, scoring 400 all out in 95.1 overs in response to Mizoram’s 100 all out. Captain Smagey Khajuria top-scored with 102 off 174 balls, including 15 fours and a six, while Athrav Sharma contributed 92 not out off 137 balls, hitting 17 fours and a six.
In Mizoram’s second innings, JK bowlers dismissed them for 118 in 42.4 overs on the third day. Sanil Singh (3/15), Jaskaran Singh (2/8), and Hammaad Firdous (2/22) were the standout performers with the ball. In Mizoram’s first innings, Sanil and Jaskaran had also claimed three wickets each.
The Vijay Merchant Trophy U-16 Elite competition is scheduled to run from January 4 to 28.
