Nagaland Captain Jonathan Rongsen receiving the trophy from Nagaland Chief Minister, Neiphiu Rio.
Morung Express News
Sovima | April 3
Nagaland today lifted the 1st North East Cricket Development Committee (NECDC) Interstate Friendship Senior Men’s Tournament defeating Manipur in the final by 19 runs.
In the final here at the Nagaland Cricket Stadium, hosts Nagaland set a target of 192 runs, losing 9 wickets in a match reduced to 35 overs due to rain.
Manipur, who opted to field after winning the toss, rocked Nagaland early on with Jotin Pheiroijam sending both openers back to the pavilion to leave the hosts reeling at 15/2 in the 5th over.
But Nagaland captain Jonathan Rongsen came to the rescue building partnerships with Imliwati and later with all-rounder Tahmeet Rahman.
Captain Rongsen was the highest scorer with 80 runs, followed by Rahman (36) and Imliwati (22).
For his match-winning efforts, the captain was adjudged ‘Man of the Match’ in the final as well as the ‘Player of the Tournament’.
For Manipur, Pheiroijam took the highest wickets returning with figures of 4/31 in 7 overs.
Chasing the target, Manipur could only manage 173 runs, despite a gritty knock of 54 runs by the highest wicket taker Pheiroijam.
He was declared the ‘Batter of the Tournament’.
Nagaho Chishi was the top bowler for Nagaland taking 4 wickets in 7 overs while giving away 35 runs.
He was adjudged ‘Bowler of the Tournament’.
Yugandhar Singh, representing the Nagaland Cricket Association, was also adjudged the ‘Best Wicketkeeper of the Tournament.’
The next edition of NECDC will be hosted by Meghalaya next year.
Meanwhile, gracing the final, Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio noted that there have been many developments in cricket in the state.
However, he noted that much more is needed and expressed hope that the BCCI representative present in the final will take home the message to the board in completing the gallery/stands of the stadium, which was started with state funds.
He also called for promoting not only seniors, but others, particularly the women and girls’ team as well as juniors and under-19 team.
Rio further stated that Nagaland is trying to promote sports in all discipline and urged the youth to take it up seriously.
The government and seniors are with you, he added.
Stating that Nagaland is hosting the North-East Olympic Games this year, he also challenged the youth of the state to improve upon the 79 medals won in the last edition of the games in Shillong.
