Guwahati, April 21 (MExN): Manipur opened their campaign in the 1st North East Little Masters Trophy 2025 with a confident five-wicket win over Nagaland at the ACA Cricket Academy Ground in Fulung, Guwahati. A composed bowling performance followed by a clinical chase saw Manipur register their first points in the tournament.
Batting first after losing the toss, Nagaland struggled to find rhythm and were bowled out for 80 runs in 18.4 overs. Despite a brief resistance from Chubasunep, who top-scored with 16 runs off 20 deliveries, the Nagaland batting order crumbled under relentless pressure from Manipur’s bowling attack. Lamnganba N struck early and finished with figures of 2 for 15 from his five overs. He was supported by Ningthoujam Bidtananda Singh, who bowled a key spell and took 2 for 29 in four overs. Shohel Akter cleaned up the tail in dramatic fashion, claiming two wickets in just four deliveries without conceding a run.
In reply, Manipur chased down the target in 13.2 overs, finishing at 81 for 5. The chase was anchored by Sagatpam Telheiba, who scored a steady 22 off 27 balls to guide his side home, even as wickets fell at the other end. Nagaland’s Sangtsulen Tshunherii produced a standout performance with the ball, picking up three wickets for 24 runs in 4.2 overs, but the total on the board proved insufficient.
Ningthoujam Bidtananda Singh was adjudged Player of the Match for his pivotal role with the ball, playing a key part in dismantling Nagaland’s batting and helping his team take control of the game early on.
With this win, Manipur has set a strong tone for the rest of their campaign in the tournament, while Nagaland will look to regroup ahead of their next match. The NE Little Masters Trophy continues to provide a platform for young cricketers from the region to showcase their emerging talent.
Nagaland will next face Sikkim on April 24 at the Annexe Ground, ACA Stadium in Guwahati. The match is scheduled to begin at 9:00 AM.
