The 7th International School Cricket League (ISCL-2025), hosted by City Montessori School (CMS) at its Kanpur Road campus in Lucknow, continued to captivate audiences on its fourth day, December 16, 2025. This seven-day T-20 format tournament brings together over 250 young cricketers from schools across Australia, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Nepal, and various Indian states, fostering global unity, sportsmanship, and talent development. Broadcast live by Doordarshan Sports, the day’s matches showcased explosive batting, sharp bowling, and heart-pounding chases, with international and domestic teams battling it out across multiple venues: CMS Stadium, Parth Stadium, and Galaxy Ground.
Organized as a platform to nurture young talent and promote values like discipline, teamwork, and harmony, ISCL-2025 features 16 teams divided into four pools. The event, which runs from December 13 to December 19, has already seen remarkable performances, and Day 4 was no exception. Spectators were treated to a rain of runs and wickets, with players from diverse backgrounds winning hearts through their skill and determination. Here’s a breakdown of the day’s seven matches, highlighting key results, standout performances, and moments that defined the action.
Morning Session: High Scores and Dominant Wins
The day kicked off with three exciting encounters in the morning session.
- At CMS Stadium: S.G.V.P. Gladiators (Gujarat) vs Australian Joes (Australia) The Australian side set the tone with a blistering batting display, posting a mammoth 237 runs in 20 overs. In response, the Gladiators crumbled under pressure, folding for just 74 runs in 14 overs. Australia emerged victorious by a massive margin. Captain Nick Patel stole the show with a fiery 52 off 17 balls, including 5 fours and 5 sixes. Ayan Sony earned Man of the Match honors for his economical spell of 4 wickets for 8 runs in 3 overs.
- At Parth Stadium: D.A.V. Super Kings (Amritsar, Punjab) vs D.E.V. Smashers (Bihar) Bihar started strongly, building a century partnership to reach 201 runs in 20 overs after early setbacks. Punjab, however, chased down the target in 19.4 overs for a 4-wicket win. The match highlighted Bihar’s resilient batting but ultimately showcased Punjab’s composure in the chase.
- At Galaxy Ground: D.A.V. Rhinos (D.A.V. Nepal) vs South Zone Titans (Wells Tamil Nadu) In a low-scoring thriller, Nepal edged out Tamil Nadu by 19 runs, demonstrating tight bowling and strategic play.
Afternoon Session: One-Sided Thrashings and Tactical Brilliance
The afternoon brought more intensity with two matches.
- At CMS Stadium: Dhangadhi Dreamers (S.P.A. Nepal) vs Hyderabadi Nawabs (Hyderabad) Hyderabad dominated with the bat, amassing 214 runs in 20 overs. Nepal’s reply was lackluster, ending at 78 runs in 14 overs. Hyderabad won by 135 runs, underlining their superior batting lineup.
- At Galaxy Ground-B: Bal Bhawan Lions (Delhi) vs R.C.A. Super Stars (Sri Lanka) Delhi cruised to a convincing 9-wicket victory over Sri Lanka, showcasing efficient chasing and solid defense.
Evening Session (Day-Night Matches): Evening Lights and Electrifying Finishes
The day culminated in two floodlit matches, adding to the spectacle.
- At CMS Stadium (6 PM to 9 PM): Super Giants (Kolkata) vs Global Mighty (G.B. School, Nepal) Both teams displayed exceptional talent, with young cricketers from India and Nepal trading blows in a high-stakes encounter. The match was a testament to the tournament’s international flavor, though specific scores were closely contested.
- At Sports Galaxy Ground: Aster Knights (Aster Noida) vs MAMS Elite Tigers (MAMS Uttarakhand) This clash featured impressive all-round performances, with players from both sides captivating the crowd. The game emphasized the raw potential of school-level cricket.
Day 4’s matches not only highlighted individual brilliance—like explosive innings and wicket hauls—but also the tournament’s role in bridging cultures through sport. As noted in coverage from the event, the young athletes’ performances left spectators in awe, blending technical prowess with sheer enthusiasm.
Looking Ahead: Quarter-Finals on December 17
With Day 4 wrapping up, the stage is set for the quarter-finals on December 17. Four matches will feature the top two teams from each pool: Pool A top vs Pool C second, Pool C top vs Pool A second, Pool B top vs Pool D second, and Pool D top vs Pool B second. Games will be held at CMS Stadium and Sports Galaxy Ground-B, promising even more edge-of-the-seat action.
ISCL-2025, inaugurated by former Indian cricketer R.P. Singh, goes beyond competition—it’s a celebration of cricket as a unifying force. With cultural performances by CMS students and enthusiastic participation from global teams, the tournament continues to inspire the next generation. Stay tuned for more updates as we head toward the semi-finals and grand finale on December 19.
