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Champions of the 9th Silver Cup – Esa Warriors with MLA Keneizhakho Nakhro and others at Jakhama local ground on April 4.[/caption]
Kohima, April 4 (EMN): Esa Warriors from Dimapur has claimed the 9th edition championship trophy of the Silver Cup T-20 cricket tournament by defeating Diphu XI from Karbi Anglong by 17 runs. The final match of the Silver Cup T-20 cricket tournament, organised by youth department of Nepali Baptist Church, Kohima, was played at Jakhama local ground on April 4.
Due to the incessant rain till afternoon, the final match between Esa Warriors and Diphu XI commenced late resulting in deduction of 8 overs each from both the innings.
Winning the toss, Diphu XI elected to field but failed to restrain Esa Warriors which secured 117 runs in 12 overs. Esa Warriors lost only four wickets with Wasim contributing the highest 40 runs supported by Suresh Chetri, who scored 34 runs not out.
Chasing the huge target in 12 overs, Diphu XI fell short of balls as they managed to score 100 runs losing 7 wickets with Probin and Bivakar contributing 20 and 19 runs respectively.
Esa Warriors skipper Hanilong took three wickets in a single over to restrict the run rate, while he was also supported by Wasim with two wickets.
The champions Esa Warriors received cash award of INR 80,000 with running trophy, citation and medals, while runners-up Diphu XI bagged INR 40,000 with trophy, citation and medals. Two losing semi-finalists Valour CC Dimapur and Kohima Hornbills also got INR 5,000 each.
Gracing the final match as the chief guest MLA Keneizhakho Nakhro said games and sports impart a sense of discipline, fellow feelings and togetherness which brings peace and unity as quoted in the tournament theme.
Expressing that cricket is the most popular sports in India, Nakhro said if one could make it to the national level they can bring fame and glory to the state and community. In this regard, he requested the youngsters having the talent, potential and confidence to take sports as a career.
Individual awards
Man of the final match: Wasim of Esa Warriors for scoring 40 runs and taking two wickets. He received INR 3000 with trophy and citation.
Highest wicket taker:
Hanilong of Esa Warriors for 13 wickets. He received INR 3000 with trophy and citation.
Highest run getter: Sidhart of Esa Warriors for securing 87 runs. He received INR 3000 with trophy and citation.
Best wicket keeper: Probin of Diphu XI. He received INR 3000 with trophy and citation.
Emerging player: Sepichum of Woodland CC. He received INR 1000 with trophy and citation.
