Mokokchung, January 7 (MExN): Heroic exploits by Bendangtemsu (29) helped Zero Boys ‘A’ beat Jovial CC in the first match of the day at the ongoing MDCA Inter Club T20 Cricket Tournament today. Zero Boys ‘A’ elected to field after winning the toss and restricted Jovial to 118 for 8, as Bendangtemsu, who scalped 3 wickets while giving away 20 runs, and Tekatemsu, who returned with figures of 2/23, did much of the damage. Temjentoshi (33) assisted by Meyameren (26) did their best to steady the proceedings for Jovial CC. Set a target of 119 to win, Zero Boys ‘A’ got off to a decent start but some quick wickets in the middle overs made for an exciting match. Even as wickets fell at regular intervals, Bendangtemsu’s cameo of 29 runs took the game away from Jovial CC as Zero Boys won with six balls to spare. Mayangteka chipped in 27 runs, featuring two fours and a six, to impart useful impetus to the closing stages of the chase. Moalemba (2/21) was the pick of the bowlers for Jovial while Odiyanger and Jangzapong took 1 wicket each. In the second match of the day, Brotherhood CC’s Daniel Rai and Aosashi made a mockery of the target set by Gorkha Student Union. Brotherhood got there with 7 wickets in hand and 33 deliveries to spare. Daniel Rai, playing for Brotherhood CC for the first time played a match winning knock with an unbeaten 30 runs. But it was Aosashi who set up the chase with a quick fire 23 runs. Buddha Rai 2/19 and Bir Bahadur 1/20 were the only bowlers to test the Brotherhood batsmen. Earlier, GSU got off to a brilliant start batting first with the openers putting on 78 runs in the first 10 overs. But after the fall of Sunil Gurung (21), the GSU batting line up fell apart. Only Nihal Rai was fighting the lone battle with a fine inning of 61 runs to steer his team to a decent total of 110 for 6 in 20 overs. For Brotherhood, Temsutoshi and Longkhum ended with figures 2/19 and 2/27 respectively. On Monday morning, the two finalists from last year will lock horns in the first match. Tagged “the final before the final”, Sovrans will look to avenge last year’s defeat while Titans on the other hand will hope to keep the winning streak against their closest rival intact. Monday's fixture: Titans CC vs Sovran CC (8:00 am) Rainbow CC vs Jovial CC (11:30 am)
