Bhatkal: Bhatkal Sports Club displayed an exceptional performance in the KSCA Dharwad Zone 2nd Division League 2023-24 tournament, asserting their dominance across multiple matches and securing qualification for the KSCA First Division League. 

Their batting prowess was consistently evident, with standout innings from key players like Faizan Khan, Abdullah, and Asim Katpadi. Notably, Faizan Khan, the wicketkeeper-batsman, stood out by scoring two centuries and one fifty, accumulating a total of 454 runs in eight matches. He maintained an impressive strike rate of 128.61 and an average of 90.80, with his unbeaten inning of 251 not out being the highlight of the tournament.

The bowling unit, led by Imran Gazali, played a crucial role in the team's success. Imran Gazali, a right-arm fast-medium pacer, emerged as the top bowler of the league, claiming a remarkable 37 wickets in 89.2 overs. His economic bowling, conceding 293 runs at an economy rate of 3.28 with 16 maidens, highlighted his skill and consistency. Imran Gazali achieved two five-wicket hauls, including an outstanding eight-wicket performance in the last match of the tournament.

Bhatkal Sports Club  demonstrated exceptional teamwork and individual brilliance, securing comprehensive victories, including a remarkable 294-run win. Their outstanding performance earned them a well-deserved spot in the KSCA First Division, emphasizing their dominance in the tournament.

Throughout the competition, Chairman Mohammed Mudassir Ikkery provided effective guidance, with Coach Yaseer Nihal,  Skipper Ilyas Motiya overseeing the team's strategies. The team management, including Advocate Afaque Kola, Abdul Badi Shabandari, Waseem KM, Saleem Kola, SM Fayez, and others, offered crucial support, contributing significantly to the team's success.

The matches took place at various venues, including Karnataka Gymkhana Association (Hubli), Railway Institute South (Hubli), Dharwad, and KSCA (Hubli).

Division II Matches

Match 1:
Sports Academy of Gadag (A) posted a score of 181/10 in 49.5 overs. In response, Bhatkal Sports Club (A) managed to score 73/10 in 17.5 overs, with Sports Academy of Gadag (A) winning by 108 runs.

Match 2:
Bhatkal Sports Club (A) secured a 149-run victory against Tanaji Sports Club (A). They posted a total of 257/10 in 49.5 overs and dismissed Tanaji Sports Club for 109/10 in 33.3 overs. Wicketkeeper-batsman Faizan Khan displayed an impressive performance, scoring 101 runs off 103 balls.

Match 3:
Bhatkal Sports Club (A) secured victory by 65 runs against Janopantar Cricket Academy (A). They posted a total of 207/10 in 46.5 overs and restricted Janopantar Cricket Academy to 142/10 in 35.5 overs.

Match 4:
Bhatkal Sports Club (A) clinched victory by 147 runs against Shri Siddharudha Swamy Sports Club (A). They amassed a total of 278/8 in 50.0 overs and bowled out Shri Siddharudha Swamy Sports Club for 131/10 in 37.4 overs. Asim Katpadi played well, scoring 100 runs in 99 balls with 11 fours and one six, and also bagged two wickets in the match.

Match 5:
Bhatkal Sports Club (A) dominated the match, posting a formidable total of 408/5 in 50.0 overs and restricting Anands Cricket Coaching Academy (B) to 113/9 in 34.2 overs, securing victory by a commanding margin of 294 runs. Wicketkeeper-batsman Faizan Khan delivered an outstanding performance, scoring an unbeaten 251 runs in 151 balls, embellished with 17 fours and 20 sixes. Abdullah contributed 119 runs in 110 balls with 6 fours and 7 sixes as Bhatkal reached a total of 408/5 in 50.0 overs. The duo of Abdullah and Faizan forged a substantial partnership of 288 for the fifth wicket in this match.

Match 6:
Bhatkal Sports Club (A) secured a convincing victory by 182 runs over Belgaum Sports Club (B), with Pacer Imran Gazali playing a pivotal role by claiming seven wickets in 6.4 overs, including one maiden, conceding 36 runs in the match.

Match 7:
Bhatkal Sports Club (A) secured a five-wicket victory over Talent Sports Club (A), chasing down a target of 141 by reaching 145/5 in 23.4 overs.

Match 8:
Hubli Sports Club (B) emerged victorious by 7 wickets against Bhatkal Sports Club (A), as they successfully chased down the target of 131, finishing at 134/3 in 15.2 overs.

Match 9:
Bhatkal Sports Club (A) clinched a 60-run victory against Cricket Club of Karnataka (A), as wicketkeeper-batsman Manoj Maruthi scored 56 runs, including 5 super sixes. Skipper Ilyas Motiya played a crucial role by taking five wickets, conceding 52 runs in 8 overs, contributing to Bhatkal's triumph.

Match 10:
Bhatkal Sports Club (A) secured a dominant 211-run victory over Neena Sports Club (A), with Asim Katpadi contributing 74 runs with the bat, while Imran Gazali and Skipper Ilyas Motiya each claimed four wickets, restricting Neena Sports Club to 78 runs.

Match 11:
Bhatkal Sports Club (A) secured a resounding 9-wicket victory over Vilas Bendre Cricket Academy (A), qualifying for KSCA First Division. The match was played at Karnataka Gymkhana Association (Hubli) on Saturday, 24 February. Pacer Imran Gazali played a pivotal role, bagging 8 wickets by conceding just four runs in 6.3 overs, including two maiden overs.