Dimapur, February 13 (MExN): Nagaland emerged victorious in the semi-final (Plate Group) clash against Arunachal Pradesh in the Col CK Nayudu Trophy 2023-24 (Men’s U23), securing a place in the final against Meghalaya.
Opting to bat first after winning the toss at the match played at Lal Bahadur Shastri Stadium, Anand, Gujarat, Nagaland posted a total of 171 runs in their 1st Innings. Afzal led the score with an unbeaten 81*, while contributions from Hem (20 runs), Tohuka (16 runs), and Samuel Zaputou (16 runs) added to the team’s tally. Arunachal responded with a strong 1st Innings lead, scoring 219 runs, led by Prince Yadav (69 runs), Amarjeet Sharma (63 runs), and T Sania (23* runs). Nagaland’s Hem took 4 wickets, Raja secured 3 wickets, Neizekho claimed 2 wickets, and Dip contributed with 1 wicket.
However, in the 2nd Innings, Nagaland posted a commanding total of 290 runs. Hem led the charge with an impressive 139 runs, supported by Tohuka (77 runs), Afzal (25 runs), Mughavi (17 runs), and Sujal (17 runs). Chasing a target of 242 for victory, Arunachal struggled against Nagaland’s bowling attack, getting all out for 94 runs. Neizekho with a 5-wicket haul led the attack, while Hem and Raja took 2 and 1 wicket, respectively.
Nagaland clinched the semi-final by 148 runs, setting up a final clash with Meghalaya at their home turf, Nagaland Cricket Stadium, Sovima.
Plate Group Final Match
Nagaland vs Meghalaya
Date: February 18-21
Venue: Nagaland Cricket Stadium, Sovima
