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A Viking batsman plays a sweep shot during the first semi-final match against Skylark in the ongoing Master Shield T20 Cricket Tournament at Imkongmeren Sports Complex on Friday, March 24.[/caption]
Our Correspondent
Mokokchung, March 24 (EMN): MDT20CF 2nd Master Shield T20 Cricket Tournament on Friday saw spirited Titans and Skylark book their berth for the final after outclassing their opponents in the semi-final matches at Imkongmeren Sports Complex on Friday.
Put into bat, Titans scored a total of 145 runs for the loss of 7 wickets in 20 overs against Zungamedem in the first semi-final match. Titan’s hero Longsasunep contributed 46 runs, Neehal Rai 34 runs and Talikaba 29 runs. The aggressive bowlers from Zungamedem tried their best to restrict the run rate of the Titans; nevertheless, the Titans found enough gaps in the field to surf their single. Temjentoshi picked 3/18 in four overs, Lanusanen and Funitchiba picked 2 wickets each in their allotted share for Zungamedem.
In reply, Zungamedem started with a smooth sail maintaining a well scoring rate but after the fall of top order batsmen, the scoring rate began to stanch down dramatically. The re-introduction of Neehal Rai in the 17th over and securing the first hat trick in the tourney affected the batting line-up of the Zungamedem. He picked Merensunep, Temjentoshi and Sosangpong.
Zungamedem were all for 121/9 in 20 overs which ultimately led Titans to clinch the win by 25 runs. Imliakum scored 30 runs and Chubaodang 20 runs for Zungamedem. Neehal Rai captured 4 wickets, Ato Chang 3 wickets while Toshimeren and Longsasunep picked one wicket for Titans.
The second semi-final match saw defending champion Skylark claiming their final spot by 6 wickets in an equally contested match against Viking.
Batting first, Vikings made a total of 118 runs for the loss of 5 in 20 overs with Sajid and Hemari contributing 36 runs each. Skylark’s Imcharen claimed 2/8 in 4 overs while Viza and Chotelal picked one wicket each from their shared overs.
Chasing a challenging target, Skylark chased down the total in 19.4 overs.
Daneil collected 35 runs, Upender 33 runs and Chanbo collected 23 runs. Vicky picked 2 wickets and Sajit picked one for Vikings.
Saturday’s match (Final)
