Player of the Match: Medempok Pongen (Dimapur).
CHÜMOUKEDIMA, APRIL 19 (MExN): The stage is set for an exciting finale as Kohima and Dimapur advanced to the championship match of the 5th Late G. Rio Memorial Men’s U19 Inter-District Cricket Tournament 2025. Both teams secured their places in the final with impressive victories in their respective semi-final matches, held at separate venues in Chümoukedima.
Kohima holds nerve in tight win over Wokha
Kohima booked their final berth with a narrow 3-wicket win over a determined Wokha side in the first semi-final at the Nagaland Cricket Stadium. After electing to bat first, Wokha struggled to gain momentum as Kohima’s bowlers applied consistent pressure from the start.
Wokha’s batting lineup failed to put together meaningful partnerships, managing just 106 runs in 30.1 overs. Yantsothung S Humtsoe showed some resistance with a quick 28 off 28 balls, but none of the other batters managed to cross the 20-run mark.
Kohima’s disciplined bowling effort was led by Solomon Awungshi, who delivered an impactful spell of 3 wickets for 19 runs in his 8 overs. He was well supported by Vizoletuo Zhale, who cleaned up the tail with figures of 3/21 in 6.1 overs. The bowling unit’s ability to hit consistent lengths and stifle scoring opportunities proved crucial in restricting Wokha to a modest total.
However, Kohima’s run chase was far from straightforward. Wokha’s bowlers, led by Krishna Kumar (3/24 in 10 overs), made early inroads and created pressure throughout the innings. At 60 for 5, the match was finely balanced, but Kohima’s Seyievizo Zaputou displayed maturity beyond his years to guide the chase. His unbeaten 32 off 56 balls provided the composure Kohima needed, ensuring they reached the target in 22 overs with three wickets in hand.
For his outstanding contribution with the ball, Solomon Awungshi was named Player of the Match.
Dimapur outclasses Niuland
In the second semi-final held at the Sovima Cricket Ground, Dimapur delivered a clinical performance to defeat Niuland by 6 wickets and secure their spot in the final.
Asked to bat first, Niuland never looked settled at the crease and could only manage 112 runs in 41.3 overs. Jeetender was the lone bright spot in the innings, grinding out 32 runs off 85 balls, but he received little support from the other end. Frequent wickets hampered any hopes of building a competitive total.
Dimapur’s bowling unit, consistent throughout the tournament, continued its strong form. Samir Ali starred with figures of 4 wickets for just 14 runs in 7.3 overs, while Medempok Pongen put on a bowling masterclass, conceding just 15 runs in his 9 overs and picking up 3 wickets. Their spells broke the back of Niuland’s innings and prevented any significant resistance.
Chasing 113 for victory, Dimapur’s batting was measured and in control. Shyerinlo anchored the innings with a composed 32 off 68 balls, helping Dimapur reach 114/4 in 35.4 overs. Despite Niuland’s bowlers—Rohan Kumar, Suit Kumar, Jatin, and Darsh Choudhary—sharing four wickets among them, the target was never large enough to truly test Dimapur’s resolve. For his economical and decisive bowling performance, Medempok Pongen was declared Player of the Match.
FINALS
Kohima vs Dimapur
Date: April 21, 2025
Time: 9:00 AM
Venue: Nagaland Cricket Stadium, Chümoukedima
