BUKSS Media Cricket First-Ever Bowl-Out Decides Finalists

 way2barak, March 20: Barak Bulletin Media Challengers will take on Nababarta Media Warriors in the final of the 14th BUKSS Media Cricket Fest, organised by the Barak Valley Sports Journalists’ Association (BUKSS). Friday witnessed high drama as Barak Bulletin defeated Rubika Khobor Heroes to book their place in the summit clash, while Nababarta advanced after edging past Paramount News Rockers in a thrilling bowl-out finish.

In a historic first, the bowl-out rule was implemented in BUKSS Media Cricket, ultimately deciding the second semifinal. Persistent rain after the first semifinal made it impossible to conduct the match, prompting umpires Gopikanta Sinha and Kishan Roy to call off play. As per prior regulations, the outcome was then determined via bowl-out at the indoor nets of Satindra Mohan Dev Memorial Stadium.

Paramount’s Biswanath Hazam struck in the opening attempt, while Nababarta’s Dhruvajyoti Dhar missed. However, Paramount failed to capitalise as Ashok Rajkumar, Shyam Sinha, Tapas Nath, and Subrata Das all missed their chances, leaving them stranded at just one point. Nababarta fought back through Khairul Alom Choudhury after early misses from Nabendu Malakar and Malay Kanti Shuklabaidya (Pintu). With the scores level, star performer Humayun Kabir Jasim held his nerve and hit the stumps with the final attempt, sparking wild celebrations.

Earlier, in the first semifinal, Barak Bulletin won the toss and opted to field. Rubika posted 123 for 5 in 15 overs, riding on captain Debashis Das’ 42 off 34 balls and Amalav Das’ 34 off 29. Extras contributed 23 runs, while Anirban Roy Choudhury and Manoj Roy picked up two wickets each.

In reply, Barak Bulletin chased down the target in 14.1 overs, losing five wickets. Manoj Roy starred with a brilliant 58, hitting three fours and three sixes, while Satyajit Shuklabaidya (18) and Pritam Das (15) chipped in. Extras added 16 runs. Rubika’s sloppy fielding proved costly despite a good all-round effort from Debashis Das, who also picked up two wickets. Shibananda Singha and Munna Roy claimed one wicket each.

At the presentation ceremony, Gyanadeep Biswas of State Bank of India handed the Player of the Match award to Manoj Roy, who also received the Super Sixer award from Joydeep Dev and the MVP honour from Debasish Purkayastha. Debasish Das was named Super Entertainer by Gitesh Ranjan Choudhury, while Biswajit Dutta received the Man of the Moment award.

There will be no matches on Saturday due to Eid-ul-Fitr. The much-anticipated final will be held on Sunday and will be played as a 20-over contest.