Match between Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh at Sovima Cricket Stadium on February 2. (Photo Courtesy: NCA)
CHÜMOUKEDIMA, FEBRUARY 2 (MExN): Playing their last qualifying match at home, Nagaland started off well as Arunachal who after winning the toss elected to bat first but were bundled out for 124 runs in 39.1 overs.
For the Arunachal side, most of the batsmen contributed runs but could not convert it into big scores as the bowling unit of Nagaland picked up wickets at regular intervals with Khrievitso Kense being the star performer again as he scalped 4 wickets in only 5 overs while Karan Tewatiya, Jaganath Sinivas and Imliwati Lemtur claimed 2 wickets each.
Imliwati Lemtur also scripted history as he became the first bowler from North East Zone to pick up 100 first class wickets. Earlier Nagaland captain Jonathan Rongsen also scripted his name by becoming the 1st from North East Zone to reach 2000+ runs in first class cricket.
Nagaland batting got off to a shaky start as their opening stand with Joshua Ben Ozukum and Moakumzuk Tzudir lost their wickets in the first two overs as Shekar Sirdhi and Gaurav Parte got them out cheaply.
Nagaland was reeling at 26 runs in 8 overs after rain stopped play. Jonathan Rongsen batting on 12* runs (not out) and Sedezhalie Rupreo 8* runs (not out) will look to steady the innings on Day 2 as Nagaland trail Arunachal by 98 runs and will try to impose some dominance over Arunachal if Nagaland has to qualify for the playoffs.
Meanwhile, Nagaland Cricket Association (NCA) has invited cricket and sports enthusiasts to witness the live match at Nagaland Cricket Stadium, Sovima. Public entry is made available at Gate No- 2.
