NECDC inter-state tournament: Meghalaya, Arunachal secure wins

Akash (left) and Nabam Dol (right) receiving their Player of the Match awards.

• DIMAPUR — Meghalaya delivered a dominant performance on Day 2 of the 3rd NECDC Senior Men’s Inter-state Friendship Tournament, securing a 9-wicket win over Sikkim at the Sovima Cricket Ground on Saturday.
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• According to an update from the Nagaland Cricket Association, this victory marked Meghalaya’s first win in the tournament and showcased an all-round display, particularly from Akash, who was named Player of the Match for his stellar performance with both bat and ball.

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• Sikkim won the toss and chose to bat first but was quickly put on the back foot by a disciplined Meghalaya bowling attack. Sikkim managed to post a modest total of 150 all out in 40 overs. Despite a 46 not out from Ankur and a 40 from Ashish Thapa, Sikkim failed to post a big total.
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• Meghalaya’s bowlers were in superb form, with Ram Gurung claiming 3 wickets for 21 runs in 6 overs. Akash was equally effective, taking 3 wickets for 28 runs in 9 overs, dismantling Sikkim’s middle order.
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• Chasing a target of 151, Meghalaya’s response was clinical. The opening partnership laid a solid foundation, and the chase was completed in just 24.3 overs. Arpit Bhatewara anchored the innings with 55 runs off 63 balls, while Akash made an unbeaten 53 from just 40 balls.
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• Sikkim’s lone wicket came through Ankur, who bowled a 5.3-over spell, conceding 37 runs.
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• In another match, Arunachal Pradesh edged out Mizoram by 7 runs in a thrilling contest at Nagaland Cricket Stadium.
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• Arunachal Pradesh, having struggled with the bat, defended a modest target of 156, thanks to a sensational five-wicket haul by Nabam Dol, who was named Player of the Match for his match-winning performance.
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• Arunachal Pradesh was put into bat by Mizoram after they won the toss, and the team found it difficult to build any momentum. They were bowled out for 155 in 45.4 overs, with Techi Doria top-scoring with 23 runs off 48 balls. Mizoram’s bowlers kept tight control, particularly Johan Lalbiakkima, who was devastating with the ball, taking 4 wickets for 15 runs in 8.4 overs.
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• Mizoram’s chase of 156 started well, with K Vanrotlinga’s quickfire 39 off 39 balls giving them hope. However, Arunachal’s bowlers kept the pressure on, taking wickets at regular intervals. The match turned on its head when Nabam Dol stepped up to bowl. His brilliant spell of 5 wickets for 23 runs in 9.5 overs decimated Mizoram’s lower order and sealed the victory for Arunachal Pradesh in the 44th over.
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• May 12 Matches
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• Nagaland vs Sikkim
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• Time: 9:00 AM
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• Venue: Nagaland Cricket Stadium, Dimapur
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• Manipur vs Mizoram
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• Time: 9:00 AM
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• Venue: Sovima Cricket Ground, Dimapur