Our Correspondent
Kohima | April 4
Esa Warriors from Dimapur today emerged champion of the 9th edition of Silver Cup T-20 Cricket Tournament organized by Youth Department of Nepali Baptist Church Kohima at Jakhama Local Ground.
Due to the incessant rain till afternoon, the final match between Esa Warriors, Dimapur and Diphu XI, Karbi Anglong commenced late resulting deduction of 8 overs each from both the innings.
Winning the toss, Diphu XI elected to field but their failed to restrain Esa Warriors fromscoring 117 runs in 12 overs. Esa Warriors lost only four wickets with Wasim contributing the highest at 40 runs, amply supported by Suresh Chetri who remained not out at 34 runs.
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 made and excellent bowling to down three wickets in single over to restrict the run rate while he was also supported by Wasim with 2 wickets.
Esa Warriors won the final match by 17 runs.
Winning the trophy, Esa Warriors received cash award of Rs 80,000 with running trophy, citation and medals while runners-up Diphu XI bagged Rs 40,000 with trophy, citation and medals. Two losing semi-finalist Valour CC Dimapur and Kohima Hornbills also got Rs 5,000 each.
Meanwhile, 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 one can bring fame and glory to the state and community.
In this, he humbly requested the youngsters having talent, potential and confidence to take sports as a career. Nakhro also handed over the awards to the winners.
The closing function was compered by Annie Konthoujam while blessing was invoked by Youth Director Robi Thapa, special number by Jyoti Sunar and vote of thanks tendered by organising committee secretary Prakash Tiwari.
Individual Award Winners
• Man of the Final Match: Wasim of Esa Warriors for scoring 40 runs and taking 2 wickets (Rs 3000 with trophy and citation)
• Highest Wicket Taker: Hanilong of Esa Warriors - 13 wickets (Rs 3000 with trophy and citation)
• Highest Run Getter: Sidhart of Esa Warriors - 87 runs (Rs 3000 with trophy and citation)
• Best Wicket Keeper: Probin of Diphu XI ((Rs 3000 with trophy and citation)
• Emerging Player: Sepichum of Woodland CC (Rs 1000 with trophy and citation)
• Player of the Tournament: Hanilong of Esa Warriors. (Rs 5000 with trophy and citation)
