Titans outgun defending champion Skylark to lift Master Shield

Our Correspondent
Mokokchung, March 25 (EMN): Titans became the champion of 2nd Master Shield T20 Cricket Tournament after stunning their arch rival Skylark by 5 wickets in the final at Imkongmeren Sports Complex on Saturday.
Put into bat Skylark locked the scored at 105/7 in 20 overs. The double-digit scorers were skipper Daniel contributing 29 runs oof 36 balls and Upendar 16/22 balls and Viza 14/14 unbeaten. Toshimeren collected 2/22, Longsasunep 2/16 and Nehal Rai collected 1 wicket for Titans. The synchronised fielding of Titans restricted the aggressive batsmen performances in the inning.
In reply, Titans chased down the posted total in 16 overs. The scoring rate for Titans was well maintained by the opening batsman Longsasunep and Talikaba. Their partnership contributed 56 runs, however, Talikaba departed from the field in 8th over. He scored 25 runs out of 24 balls. Later, Longsasunep also departed in the 12.5 overs after collecting 38 runs out of 41 balls.
Titans with 5 wickets down, Skylark tried to control the game by bringing in Imcharen to restrict the scoring rate. But no damage was done to Ato Chang and Merenjemba. Their quick response in collecting single in every opportunity steadily increased the run rate and finally at the 16 over they claimed their victory over Skylark.
The Titans pocketed a cash amount of Rs.35000 plus shield and certificates, while the runner-up Skylark bagged cash amount of Rs.15000 plus certificates. The winner and runner-up of the tourney will play three days Test Match- ‘Sir Raj Verma Memorial Trophy’ sponsored by Sir Raj Verma family starting from Monday onwards.
It is to mention that, Sir Raj Verma was the pioneer to ignite the gentleman’s game – Cricket in Mokokchung during the late 80’s. He collected boys from every school and imparted training to the boys and sparked the cricket popularity among the people.
Individual prizes
Man of the match: Longsasunep of Titans (38 runs and 2 wickets)
Man of the Series: Longsasunep of Titans (168 runs and 4 wickets in 3 matches)
Best Bowler: Nehal Rai (8 wickets in 3 matches)
Best Batsman: Daniel of Skylark (82 runs in 3 matches)