Lucknow: The Ekana Media T-20 Cup 2025 saw thrilling cricketing action on Saturday as Times of India (TOI) and DD-AIR XI stormed into the semifinals with impressive victories in their respective league matches. Daily Jagran and Amar Ujala also sealed their spots in the final four.
At KD Singh Babu Stadium, Times of India clinched a nail-biting 9-run win over Dainik Jagran, powered by an all-round performance from Man of the Match Anish Oberai (14* runs, 3 wickets). Batting first, TOI posted 119/4 in 18 overs. Middle-order batsman Kranti Mishra top-scored with 30 runs, while opener Devesh Pandey added 21. Vivek Chauhan (16*) and Oberai (14*) provided a crucial finish.
For Jagran, Prashant Chaturvedi, Alok Mishra and Shyamu took one wicket each. In reply, Jagran could only manage 110/6, despite a fighting 33 from Shyamu and 19 runs each by Ankur Dixit and Vimlesh Kumar. Oberai starred with the ball, taking 3/15, guiding TOI to their second consecutive win and a semifinal berth.
In the second match, DD-AIR XI defeated Hindustan Times by 7 wickets. HT were bowled out for 78 in 17.2 overs, with only Anshul Kumar (18), Juhaib (20) and Rohit Singh (14)* reaching double figures.
Man of the Match Balak Ram produced a sensational spell, taking 4 wickets for just 6 runs in 3.2 overs. Amit Shukla and Shailendra Sharma bagged two wickets each.
In reply, DD-AIR chased the target comfortably, scoring 82/3 in 14 overs. Opener C.S. Azad played a match-winning knock of 47 runs off 44 balls (5 fours), while Balak Ram contributed 18. Rohit Singh claimed two wickets for HT.
Semifinal Line-up:
- October 13: Times of India vs Amar Ujala
- October 14: Dainik Jagran vs DD-AIR XI
With top teams advancing, the Ekana Media T-20 Cup is set for high-voltage semifinal clashes.
