DIMAPUR, SEPTEMBER 23 (MExN): The 2nd NECDC Senior Men’s Interstate Friendship Tournament 2024 began with high-energy matches at the Nagaland Cricket Stadium and Sovima Cricket Ground on Monday, showcasing outstanding performances from local talents.
In the opening match at the Nagaland Cricket Stadium, Nagaland secured a commanding victory against Sikkim, winning by 6 wickets. Khrievitso Kense was the star of the match, taking an impressive 5-wicket haul for just 19 runs, which earned him the Player of the Match award. Sikkim struggled to build momentum and were all out for 128 runs in 28.5 overs. Palzor Tamang top-scored for Sikkim with 46 runs off 50 balls, while Nagaho Chishi also shone with the ball, taking 3 wickets for 22 runs.
Nagaland chased down the target comfortably, reaching 131 for 4 in 28.3 overs. Jonathan Rongsen and Sede contributed significantly to the win, scoring 45 not out and 45 runs respectively. Bhim Luitel was the pick of the bowlers for Sikkim, taking 2 wickets for 26 runs.
At the Sovima Cricket Ground, Manipur dominated their match against Meghalaya, winning by a staggering 189 runs. Manipur’s Raj Kumar Rex Singh stole the show with a remarkable 5-wicket haul, conceding just 11 runs, earning him the Player of the Match award. Manipur set a challenging total of 254 for 5 in their 50 overs, with Johnson Singh scoring 68 and Langlonyamba Singh M adding 59 runs.
In response, Meghalaya struggled against Manipur’s formidable bowling attack and were bowled out for just 65 runs in 20.4 overs. Riboklang Hynniewta was the top scorer for Meghalaya with 21 runs. Manipur’s victory places them in a strong position in the tournament.
The Player of the Match awards were presented by Mr. Ansuman Samantaray, Senior Vice President and North East Circle Head of Axis Bank, to Khrievitso Kense and Raj Kumar Rex Singh for their outstanding performances.
The tournament continues tomorrow with Meghalaya facing Arunachal Pradesh at the Nagaland Cricket Stadium, and Sikkim playing against Mizoram at the Sovima Cricket Ground. All matches will be streamed live on the Nagaland Cricket Association’s YouTube channel.
