SAS Nagar (Mohali), August 31: Fazilka Falcons began their Mankind Pharma Sher-E-Punjab T20 League 2026 Powered by Punjab Kings campaign in style, securing a convincing eight-wicket victory over Jalandhar Warriors at the iconic I.S. Bindra Stadium, Mohali.
The Falcons chased down a target of 188 in just 17.4 overs, with youngster and India U19 star Vihaan Malhotra producing a brilliant unbeaten century to lead the run chase.
Earlier, Jalandhar Warriors were bowled out for 187 in 19.4 overs after being asked to bat first. The Warriors lost a couple of early wickets, but captain and wicketkeeper-batter Prabhsimran Singh and Anmol Malhotra steadied the innings with a valuable partnership.
The duo added 74 runs for the third wicket before Anmol was dismissed for a well-made 29 off 22 balls. Prabhsimran continued to attack the bowling and kept the scoreboard moving. He eventually scored a quickfire 76 off 42 balls before falling in the latter stages of the innings.
Sukhdeep Bajwa provided some late momentum with a useful 23 off 12 balls, helping Jalandhar reach a competitive total of 187.
For Fazilka Falcons, Lakshay Kansal was economical with the ball, picking up one wicket for just eight runs in his two overs. Navpreet Singh was the most successful bowler, claiming three wickets, although he conceded 47 runs in his four overs.
Chasing 188, Fazilka suffered an early setback when Jaiveer Bhinder was dismissed for 0 off 5 balls. However, Vihaan Malhotra immediately took charge and found an able partner in Anshul Chaudhary.
The pair took the attack to the Jalandhar bowlers and added a stunning 100 runs in just eight overs, putting the Falcons firmly in control of the chase. Chaudhary was eventually dismissed by Emanjot for a quick 36 off 20 balls.
With the chase well under control, stand-in captain Sanvir Singh joined Vihaan and continued the assault. The duo produced an unbeaten 91-run partnership for the third wicket to take Fazilka comfortably over the line.
Sanvir played an important supporting role, remaining unbeaten on 51 off 29 balls, while Vihaan stole the show with a sensational 103* off just 52 deliveries.
His century, combined with Sanvir’s composed half-century, ensured Fazilka Falcons made a perfect start to their campaign and underlined their batting strength early in the tournament.
