DIMAPUR, JANUARY 27 (MExN): Nagaland lost to Manipur by 38 runs at the ongoing Men’s cricket under-23 one day league and knockout 2017-18 (Northeast and Bihar zone) played today at the Urja Stadium, Patna. Nagaland had won the toss and elected to field. Manipur put on board 230 runs losing 9 wickets in 45 overs. Hrithik Kanojia and Abhishek steadied the Manipur innings after opener Mujtaba and number 3 batsman Johnson NG managed only 4 runs each. Kanojia topscored with 74 before he was clean bowled by Mukut in the 25th over. Abhishek missed the half century mark by 2 runs. Down the order, wicket-keeper Atriksha chipped in with 25, who went on to later claim 2 wickets. Coming in at number 10, Rex RK saw out the innings with 20 not-out. Nagaland bowlers Nagaho, Ravi and Nadeem took 2 apiece. Manoj, Mukut and Rahul took 1 each. The run chase by Nagaland crumpled with wickets falling in quick succession despite the top 3 batsmen - Puchu, Sedezhalie and Ajay managing respectable scores of 36, 23 and 26, respectively. Batting at number 8, bowler Ravi kept hopes alive to score a heroic 44-ball 40. He was the last man out with the scoreboard reading 192 in 38.3 overs. He shared a 21-run stand with tailender Mukut, who survived 15 deliveries and was looking set to give Ravi company. The Manipur bowling attack saw Bishworjit and Rahul taking 3 wickets each. Wicket-keeper Atriksha and Kishan took 2 each. Nagaland has a must win game against Bihar on January 29 in order to qualify.
