Mokokchung, January 19 (MExN): The Titans juggernaut remain unstoppable at the MDCA as they make it to the final for the fourth time in a row even as homeboys Züngamedem failed to break their semifinal jinx once again. Titans CC became the first team to qualify for the final of the ongoing MDFA tourney after they triumphed in a close encounter against Züngamedem CC in the first semi final match played here today at Imkongmeren Sports Complex. Chasing 133 for victory, the Titans rode on a collective batting effort and scraped home with 4 balls to spare. Batting first after being sent in, Züngamedem got off to a solid start thanks to their opening pair Chuba and Rongsenyanger. Züngamedem carried on the momentum but the homeboys fell short of a big score after a tight spell by Surendra Singh, who finished with 3 for 11 in his 4 overs. Titans inning also got off to a smooth start but it was Surendra again who contributed with the bat scoring an unbeaten 45. He was ably aided by Akumdong (38 runs) as Titans brought home the match sealing a four-wicket win in 19.2 overs. Titans’ Guwahati import Surendra Singh was declared Man of the Match for his all-round performance. The second semi final match played between Sovran and Trebuchet turned out to be a low scoring thriller with the match going to the last ball of the innings. Trebuchet batting first were bowled out for just 78 runs in 17.3 overs and looked like they were out of the match even before they bowled. Imliakum top scored with 16 runs for Trebuchet. Sovran’s marquee player from Dimapur, Jalal, was the most successful bowler for Sovran, picking 5/11 in four overs. Chasing the small target, Sovran lost their top four batsmen with the scoreboard showing just ten runs as the match swung in favour of Trebuchet. However, Temjenrenba played a match winning knock of 27 not out for Sovran and build a good partnership with Merenchemba who contributed with 16 vital runs. After Merenchemba's fall, there were some tense moments towards the end but Sovran’s No 11 Tiaakum demonstrated the right temperament to finish off the game. Getting in to bat in the last over with 5 runs to win from 3 balls, he hit a boundary by slicing the ball towards fine leg to level the score. Another import from Assam, Kalyan Gogoi, was bowling the last over for Trebuchet. With the scores on level, Kalyan made a good comeback and delivered a dot ball. Needing one run to win from the last delivery, Tiaakum played a good looking square cut to collect the match winning single and take Sovran to the final. Wapang gave Trebuchet a good opportunity to win by taking 3 wickets while conceding just 2 runs in 4 overs and was supported by Kalyan who took 2 wickets. Temjenrenba was named the Man of the Match. Sovran will now look to avenge last year’s narrow defeat to Titans in the final tomorrow (Titans defeated Sovran by 5 runs in last year’s final). Sovran would also be looking to lift the trophy for the first time since lifting it in 2004. Titans, on the other hand, would be looking keeping their winning streak and lifting the trophy for the fourth time in a row, a feat never achieved before in the history of MDCA. Today’s Fixture (Final): Titans CC vs Sovran CC (9:00 am)
