Shiva Yadav receives the Player of the Match award during the second semi-final between Esa Boys and Victoria CC in Chümoukdeima on September 6.
Chümoukedima, September 6 (MExN): Veritas CC and Esa Boys stormed into the final of the ongoing cricket tournament organized by the Dimapur District Cricket Association (DDCA) after securing comprehensive victories in their respective semi-final encounters here.
The two sides will face off in the title clash on Monday, September 7, at the GNR Ground in Sovima, Chümoukedima, scheduled to begin at 1:00 PM. The closing ceremony and prize distribution will be conducted immediately following the final match.
In the first semi-final, Veritas CC registered a commanding 122-run victory over Esa Legends. Opting to bat first, Veritas CC posted a competitive total of 146 for 6 in their allotted 20 overs. Joint top-scorers Anirudh Yadav (36 off 41 balls) and Sanjay (36 off 26 balls) led the charge, with vital contributions from Joshua Ben Ozukum (27 off 19 balls) and skipper Nagaho Chishi (19 off 16 balls).
In response, Esa Legends suffered a severe batting collapse and were skittled out for a paltry 24 runs in just 9.5 overs. Bowler Raja Swarnkar ripped through the batting lineup with figures of 4 for 7, supported by Ranjan Kumar, who took 3 for 3, and Hopongkyu Sangtam, who claimed 2 for 5. Swarnkar was adjudged the Player of the Match for his match-winning spell.
In the second semi-final, Esa Boys dismantled Victoria CC by 8 wickets with nearly 10 overs to spare. Victoria CC were restricted to 89 for 9 in their 20 overs, with modest contributions from Protik Kalbhor (20), D Kalu Rao (15), Sunil Das (14), and an unbeaten 13 from Sagar Saha.
Esa Boys’ bowling effort was spearheaded by Tahmeed, who claimed 3 for 8 in his 4 overs, alongside Medempok Pongen (2 for 19) and Samir Ali (2 for 16).
Chasing a modest target of 90, Esa Boys raced to victory in just 10.1 overs. Shiva Yadav led the blitz with a quickfire half-century, smashing 50 off 31 deliveries peppered with 5 fours and 3 sixes to earn the Player of the Match award. Samir Ali sealed the chase in emphatic fashion with an unbeaten 9 off 3 balls.
