Niuland’s Wahid Ali and Chümoukedima’s Neizekho Rupreo named ‘Player of the Match’ in their respective Senior Men’s Inter-District Tournament 2025 clashes on March 13. (Photo Courtesy: NCA)
Sovima, March 13 (MExN): The final leg of the Senior Men’s Inter-District Tournament 2025 (One-Day) began today with Niuland securing a empathic win over Tseminyu while Chümoukedima clinched a hard-fought win against Wokha at Sovima Cricket Ground, Chümoukedima.
In a rain-affected Group A match, Niuland’s innings was reduced to 36 overs, but that did not stop the team from posting an imposing 289/6. Wahid Ali starred with a blistering 97 off 80 balls, supported by Afzal Choudhury’s steady 69 off 67 balls. Tseminyu’s Henry Kent and Kechesin Keppen took two wickets each, conceding 49 and 50 runs respectively in their 7-over spells.
Tseminyu’s chase was limited to 20 overs, but the team faltered in response and was bowled out for 75 in 20.1 overs.
Niuland’s bowling attack, spearheaded by Akavi Yeptho, dismantled Tseminyu’s batting line-up — Yeptho took 4 wickets for just 14 runs in 4.1 overs.
Tseminyu’s Selo Apon top-scored with 17 runs off 12 balls, while Sinilo Kent managed 13 off 16 balls.
Wahid Ali was named Player of the Match for his brilliant performance with the bat.
Meanwhile, in the first Group B match, Chümoukedima edged past Wokha by 21 runs in a low-scoring but thrilling encounter.
Opting to bat first, Chümoukedima posted 104/9 in their allotted 20 overs.
Mughavi Sumi anchored the innings with 32 runs off 41 balls, while Neizekho Rupreo provided a crucial unbeaten 19 off 12 balls.
Wokha’s bowling attack was led by W Thechamo Odyyo, who delivered an exceptional spell, claiming 4 wickets for just 7 runs in 4 overs.
However, Wokha struggled in their chase and were bowled out for 83 runs in 20 overs.
Lijanbemo Patton top-scored with 25 off 24 balls, while Nzanthung Mozhui added 22 off 27 balls. Chümoukedima’s bowlers, led by Neizekho Rupreo (4/17 in 4 overs) and Jonathan Rongsen (4/7 in 4 overs), ensured Wokha never gained momentum, sealing a vital win. Neizekho Rupreo was adjudged Player of the Match for his all-round performance.
After the preliminary play-off matches in February, eight teams are competing in the final stage of the Senior Men’s Inter-District Tournament from March 12-22. Niuland, Tseminyu, Kohima, and Dimapur are slotted in Group A, while Chümoukedima, Wokha, Mon, and Mokokchung form Group B.
The next fixtures on March 14 will see Kohima take on Dimapur at the Nagaland Cricket Stadium, while Mon will face Mokokchung at Sovima Cricket Stadium. The matches will start at 9AM.
