NCA Senior Men’s Inter-district Tournament

A match during the Day-2 of the ongoing Senior Men’s Inter-district tournament on May 23.

A match during the Day-2 of the ongoing Senior Men’s Inter-district tournament on May 23.

Niuland, Longleng, Kiphire and Tuensang script victories 

Chümoukedima, May 23 (MExN): Nagaland Cricket Stadium (NCA) and the Sovima Cricket Ground witnessed an action-packed Day-2 of the Senior Men’s Inter-district tournament on May 23. 

In the first match of the day at the NCA, Niuland faced off against Mokokchung. After winning the toss, Mokokchung chose to bat first but could manage a modest total of 97 runs, losing all wickets in 25 overs. Akavi A Yeptho from Niuland emerged as the hero of the match, claiming 4 wickets in just 6 overs, conceding only 17 runs. Sunil Sharma also contributed with 3 wickets in 5 overs. Champo (27 runs) and Nripen Rai (11 runs) were the only batsmen from Mokokchung to reach double digits. 

In the chase, Niuland’s openers Afzal Hussain (21 runs) and Vishal Sahani (29 runs) provided a solid foundation. Inakato Zhimomi (10 runs) and Jalal (11 runs) guided their team to a comfortable 6-wicket victory in 18.1 overs.

The second match at the NCA featured a captivating showdown between Mon and Longleng. Mon won the toss and elected to bat first but suffered an early setback, losing their top-order batsmen cheaply. However, Ahon Konyak revived the innings with a spirited half-century, scoring 52 runs. Mon managed to post a competitive 131 runs in 27.2 overs. Arjun Kumar Yadav and Moakumzuk starred for Longleng, each claiming 3 wickets. 

Chasing 132 runs, Longleng showed resilience with contributions from Moakumzuk (32 runs), Watimeren (22 runs), and Arjun Kumar Yadav (26 runs). Bidesi Nayak’s unbeaten knock of 22 runs sealed the victory for Longleng by 4 wickets. Arjun Kumar Yadav was awarded the Man of the Match for his all-round performance.

At the Sovima Cricket Ground (SCA), Phek took on Kiphire in the first match. Phek’s opening batsmen, John Thevury (14 runs) and Kotso Mero (27 runs), provided a slow start. Lawrence Vero (29 runs) played a crucial innings, but Kiphire’s captain, Bohoto Yeptho, led the bowling attack impressively, taking 3 wickets for just 19 runs in 6 overs. Kiphire restricted Phek to 134 all out in 29 overs. 

In the chase, Bohoto Yeptho once again showcased his skills with the bat, scoring 23 runs for the opening stand. Avishek KR Singh (62 runs) and Upender Singh (35runs not-out) guided Kiphire to a commanding 7-wicket victory in 22.2 overs. Bohoto Yeptho was named the Man of the Match for his all-round contribution.

The second match at the SCA witnessed an intense battle between Peren and Tuensang. Tuensang, after winning the toss, encountered early troubles but the middle-order came to the rescue. Rajesh Das (54 runs) and Royimkiu (36 runs) provided stability, leading Tuensang to a respectable total of 152 runs for the loss of 8 wickets in 30 overs. 

Peren’s Poiring excelled with the ball, picking up 3 wickets. In the chase, Ujwal Rai (57 runs) and Parbez Alom (38 runs) fought valiantly for Peren, but they fell agonizingly short of the target by 3 runs, getting all out in 22 overs. Baharul Islam and Royimkiu scripted a perfect heartbreak story as they shared 4 wickets each while Chily Sangtam took 2 wickets to settle the game in favour of Tuensang. Royimkiu’s impressive 4-wicket haul and 36 runs earned him the Man of the Match award.

MAY 24 FIXTURE 
Nagaland Cricket Stadium
8: 00 am:  Zunheboto Vs Tseminyu

12:30 pm: Mokokchung Vs Phek

Sovima Cricket Ground
8:00 am: Kohima Vs Mon