Khrew, Pulwama: The star-studded Rahim Greens Cricket Club (RGCC) won their opening encounter in the second edition of Khrew Premier League at Azad Stadium here by a massive 74-run margin, beating Ziya Cricket Club Pampore.

The last year finalists won the toss and elected to bat first, but lost their in-form opening batsman Ashu early in the piece. The start was not good as another opening batter, Mujtaba Rizvi, too fell early and Ranji cricketer Samiullah didn’t trouble the scorers much. With Sauleh also bowled early, Khalid Bhat showed maturity and took control of the game with Nayeem Lefty before both fell in the 14th over, leaving RGCC in tatters with 94/6. Then, Sajad played a match-winning came of 60 odd runs in only 21 ball, taking the score to respectable 162/7 in the allotted 20 overs.

Chasing 163, the opponents lost their four wickets for 34 runs inside the power-play. Sajad claimed a three-for while Gowhar Geelani bowled accurately, continued the pressure by further choking and denting the opposition. His wicket-taking ability in crunch time and a stunner pulverized the opposite team.

Then, Mujtaba and Nayeem bowled economically and took control of the game with the opposition reeling under pressure with 60/6 inside 10 overs. Mujtaba’s four-for ensured that RGCC won the game easily by 74 runs.