Chümoukedima wins 3rd Late G Rio Memorial U-19 inter-district tourney

DIMAPUR, APRIL 22 (MExN): Team Chümoukedima on Saturday emerged champions after defeating Niuland by 6 wickets at the finals of the 3rd edition of the Late G Rio Memorial U-19 (boys) inter-district cricket tournament held at Nagaland Cricket Stadium, Chümoukedima.

Having won the toss, Niuland opted to bat first and everything seemed to go according to plan with both openers, Lal Kishan (12 runs) and Vishal Sahani (12 runs) spending a good amount of time at the crease.

However, the fall of Vishal Sahani in the 8th over with only 23 runs on the board for Niuland opened up the flood gates as the bowling unit of Chümoukedima kept taking wickets at intervals and did not let the batsmen settle for any big scores. 

Neizekho Rupreo and Aloto Sumi claimed 3 wickets each, while Khrievitso Kense scalped 2 wickets and Kezengulie Sogotsu took 1 wicket for Chümoukedima. For Niuland, Md Shahin top scored with 14 runs in 27 deliveries to help compose a target of 85 runs for Niuland to defend.

Requiring just 85 runs to win, openers from Chümoukedima-Yugandhar Singh and Mughavi Sumi had the luxury of taking it slow and get well settled. Both managed to score 14 and 11 runs respectively.

Jatin made a solo effort for Niuland by clean bowling out 4 crucial wickets with 3 maidens in 10 overs but that was not enough to turn the tables. To make matters worse, Niuland bowlers gave away 23 extras.

With Niuland struggling to find momentum with their bowling,  it was easy sailing for the Chümoukedima team as Aloto Sumi with 22 runs (not out) and Neizekho Rupreo with 12 runs (not out) took home the win for Chümoukedima.

In individual awards, the Best Batsman was awarded to Vishal Shani (Niuland), Best Bowler to Aloto Sumi (Chumoukedima), Best Wicket Keeper to Shyerinlo Thong (Niuland) and Player of the Tournament went to Aloto Sumi (Chümoukedima). This press report was issued by Nagaland Cricket Association.