Our Correspondent
Kohima, March 25 (EMN): Whiskers Cricket Club, Dimapur overcame Diphu XI from Karbi Anglong, Assam on Saturday to emerge as champions of the 8th Silver Cup T20 Cricket Tournament.
Whiskers Cricket Club won by 14 runs at Jakhama local ground as Diphu XI ran out of overs in the run chase. Whiskers CC have now become the champions of Silver Cup for the second time after 2013.
The event has been organised by Nepali Baptist Church Kohima Youth Department under the theme "Peace and Unity through cricket"
Electing to bat, Whiskers CC set a target of 147 runs losing 6 wickets in 20 overs. Jiten contributed 60 runs while Jalal added 41 runs for Whiskers CC. Both of them created the partnership record of the tourney with 100 runs. Diphu XI bowlers Mridul took 2 wickets.
In the run chase, Diphu managed to reach only 133 runs losing 8 wickets in 20 overs. Rahul and Ishan scored 39 and 32 runs respectively. Whiskers bowler Jiten captured 3 wickets and was adjudged the Man of the match.
The champions received a cash award of Rs 80,000, runners-up Rs 40,000, both with running trophies, citations and medals. Semi-finalists Lower Bayavu Giants and Radiant CC also received Rs 5000 each.
Gracing the closing function as the chief guest, Minister for Rural Development and REPA, CL John gave away the awards to the winners.
In his speech, he said that cricket is a gentleman’s game and that the game provides good health and fitness to the players. He exhorted the players to be dedicated and to encourage one another.
He also lauded the persistent efforts of the organisers towards promoting the game of cricket in the state.
According to CL John ‘Nepali are the pioneers of Nagas’ and appreciated that the community have talents mingle with people. He further encouraged the youngster to uphold our forefather’s tradition and culture.
Individual awards
Player of the Tournament: Tapitu of Lower Bayavu Giants.
Best Wicket Keeper: Rictim of Whiskers CC, Dimapur
Highest Run Getter: Tejosal of Whiskers CC, Dimapur
Highest Wicket Taker: Mridul of Diphu XI, Dimapur
Emerging Player: Longsasunep of Royal Tourniquets
