Kohima Legends defeated Esa Warriors Club by 10 wickets to win the Senior’s Master League 2025–2026 title.
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DIMAPUR — Kohima Legends clinched the title of the 3rd edition of the Seniors Master League (SML), defeating Esa Warriors Club by 10 wickets in the final on February 11 in Chümoukedima.
The team comfortably chased down a target of 124 runs to seal the victory.
The champions were awarded a cash prize of INR 50,000 along with a trophy and certificates, while the runners-up received INR 30,000. Notably, the cash prize component was introduced for the first time in the tournament’s history.
After winning the toss, Kohima Legends opted to bowl first. Batting first, Esa Warriors Club struggled to build momentum and was bowled out for 123 runs in 19.1 overs, losing wickets at regular intervals throughout the inning.
Also read: Senior's Masters League 3: Esa Warriors, Old Boys and Kohima Legends register wins
Michael was the first to depart, scoring 20 runs with a scoreboard at 27-1 in the third over, followed by Raza Barua contributing one run at 4.2 overs, putting the side under early pressure.
Sentongkaba, who scored 23 runs, was dismissed at 5.5 overs, further denting their progress. The fourth wicket, Alongba Pongen, fell at 58-4 in the eighth over, leaving the middle order with the responsibility of rebuilding.
Though there were brief attempts to steady the inning, Esa Warriors struggled to form lasting partnerships. Rakesh contributing 18 runs and Pankaj Ghosh scoring 16.
Esa Warriors Club’s batting line-up faced a double blow at 115 with Jasvinder Jassi and Ling Ezung dismissed in consecutive deliveries, effectively ending hopes of a late flourish.
Wabongtoshi Ozkum was the ninth wicket to fall at 122 on the scoreboard, before Imkongwati became the final batter dismissed at 123 runs at 19.1 overs.
While chasing 124 for victory, Kohima Legends made light work of the target. Openers Thejaselhou Yhome and skipper Viketho produced a flawless batting display, remaining unbeaten to guide their side home in just 13 overs.
Yhome anchored the chase with 70 not out off 42 balls, striking eight fours and two sixes at a brisk strike rate of 166.67. Viketho played the supporting role with a composed 32 not out from 37 deliveries. The Legends were also aided by 22 extras conceded by the opposition.
Presenting the tournament report, SML Organising Committee member Vinoto Awomi informed that the season featured six teams and a total of 34 matches were played.
Altogether, 9,225 runs were scored and 438 wickets were taken during the tournament. The competition witnessed 747 fours and 215 sixes, along with 33 half-centuries and a lone century scored by Enam Uddin of Lhomithi SC. The only hat-trick of the tournament was claimed by Thejaselhou Yhome of Kohima Legends.
Viketho of Kohima Legends emerged as the top run-scorer with 366 runs in 11 innings. Rakesh of Esa Warriors was the highest wicket-taker with 25 wickets and was also adjudged the Most Valuable Player for his outstanding all-round performance. Tohoto Chisho of Lhomithi SC was named Best Wicketkeeper with 12 dismissals.
While speaking at the closing ceremony as the special guest, AIGP (PROV) Limawati Imchen congratulated the champions, Kohima Legends, and the runners-up, Esa Warriors Club.
He remarked that while the players may no longer harbour dreams of competing at higher professional levels, the league serves as a meaningful platform for veterans to come together and celebrate their shared passion for the sport.
He expressed appreciation to the SML organising committee for providing such a wonderful platform for cricket lovers to reconnect.
Imchen noted that the tournament also offers an opportunity to exchange ideas and discuss the future of the state team and young cricketers. Encouraging the organisers to continue their efforts, he urged participants to involve their families and make the league a joyful gathering of cricket enthusiasts.