Wokha, January 6 (MExN): Two-time champion GAPYOCC (Green) and Royal Strikers will face off in the final of the 21st Winter Cricket Challenge. Played at Local Ground, Wokha, the tournament is organized by the Senior Noble Klan. On Friday, Royal Strikers defeated Kohima Hornbill by 22 runs while GAPYOCC (Green) lost their last semifinal match to Renegades CC by 5 wickets but entered the final after finishing with more points in the league stage. In the first match, GAPYOCC (Green) electing to bat were ripped apart by Renegades’ Sunil Sharma and Upender Rai who claimed 4 and 3 wickets respectively. Santsuthung was the lone batsman who defied the Renegade bowling with 26 runs. Renegades reached the target in the 15th over of the inning with contributions from Romokhon (21) and Nchumbemo (20). Sunil Sharma who was unbeaten on 8 runs and claimed 4 wickets was adjudged Man of the Match. In the last semifinal league match, Royal Strikers electing to bat and set up a huge total of 164 runs losing 6 wickets. Opener Hemari Teron led the scoring knocking a solid 50 runs. He was assisted by Jubin Doley (20) and Montu who was unbeaten on 26. Kohima Hornbill’s Bargish was the pick of the bowlers with 3 wickets. The Kohima side fought hard but they fell short by 22 runs after being bowled out in the 18th over of the inning for 142 runs. Bargish (23) and Tali (22) were the notable run getters. For the Royals, Sajid claimed 4 wickets while Roshan had 3 wickets. Hemari Teron who also made a catch from behind the stumps was adjudged Man of the Match. He was given the award by Mhomo Tungoe, SDO, Wokha. The grand finale of the 21st Winter Cricket Challenge will be graced by Er. Albert Ovung as chief guest. A bumper Bingo game will also be played after the first innings of the final match.
