Nagaland batsman Hokaito Zhimomi who scored a century (177) to take Nagaland to a commanding 387-5 on the first day of their last match of the Plate Group at Nagaland Cricket Stadium, Sovima, Dimapur January 7. (Photo Credit: Nagaland Cricket Association/Facebook).
DIMAPUR, JANUARY 7 (MExN): Hokaito Zhimomi today became the second Naga player to score a first class century in Nagaland’s Ranji Trophy match against Pudduchery at the Nagaland Cricket Stadium, Sovima.
Zhimomi scored 177 runs in 231 balls, which included 14 boundaries and 5 sixes before being dismissed during Nagaland’s first innings. Zhimomi became only the second Naga to score a first class century after Nagaland Captain Jonathan Rongsen had achieved the feat earlier in the season.
Zhimoni is set to retire at season end and will reportedly take up coaching. He has represented the Bengal U19 and Assam Ranji teams in the past.
Nagaland, out of contention for a place in the quarters, were off to a flying start, courtesy Hokaito Zhimomi’s 177 and Nitesh Lohchab’s 100, who powered their side to 387/5 on the opening day of their Ranji Trophy 2018-19 Round 9 Plate match against Puducherry on Monday.
Opting to bat at Sovima, Nagaland slipped to 35/3 inside the first 10 overs. However, Zhimoni and Lohchab vindicated captain Rongsen Jonathan’s decision to bat and combined to stitch 215 runs for the fourth wicket.
Lohchab, who brought up his maiden first-class century, was much more aggressive in his knock that was studded with 10 boundaries and two sixes, while Zhimoni’s scintillating 177 off 231 deliveries was laced with 13 boundaries and five sixes.
The partnership was brought to an end after Lohchab was dismissed by Raiphi Vincent Gomez in the 55th over. Zhimoni fell to Pankaj Singh, who picked three wickets in his 19.5 overs and went for 95 runs. At stumps, Jonathan was well settled batting on 72 off 101.
