Kohima, March 20 (MExN): Inclement weather conditions played spoilsports in the ongoing 8th Silver Cup T20 Cricket Tournament being organised by Nepali Baptist Church Kohima Youth Department. Only the last pre-quarter final match could be played today wherein Royal Tourniquets defeated runners-up of last year’s edition Kohima Hornbills ‘B’ by 56 runs. The continuous downpour completely soaked the Jakhama Ground and prevented the other scheduled matches from going ahead. In the last pre-quarterfinal match between Royal Tourniquets and Kohima Hornbills ‘B’, the technical committee of the organisers reduced the match to 12 overs after due consultation with the team captains. Favoured in toss, Kohima Hornbills ‘B’ decided to field but Royal Tourniquets batsmen made merry scoring 103 runs losing just 2 wickets. Nripen Rai remained not out at 42 while SS Alam contributed 39 runs. Hornbills’ bowlers Dito and Anna claimed a wicket each. In the run-chase, the runners-up from last year’s edition could only muster were bundled out for 47 runs in 11.2 overs with Anga contributed highest 26 runs. Tourniquets bowlers Longsasunep claimed 4 wickets while Moni and Merenti picked 2 wickets each. Nripen Rai was awarded the Player of the Match for his 31-ball 42 runs. With the end of the pre-quarterfinal round, the organisers declared the highest wicket-taker so far and awarded Green Cap to Longsasunep for claiming 7 wickets. SS Alam with 67 runs was given the Red Cap for being the highest run getter. Both Longsasunep and Alam are from Royal Tourniquets. Meanwhile, the organisers expressed regret at the quarterfinals being cancelled. With the ground conditions being rendered unplayable due to the continuous rainfall, the quarterfinal matches earlier fixed for today has been postponed to March 21.
