Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy: Nagaland score emphatic win over Arunachal

Members of Nagaland T20 Cricket team pose for picture after their win against Arunachal Pradesh at the Sri Ramachandra Medical College Ground, Chennai on January 13. (Photo: NCA)

Members of Nagaland T20 Cricket team pose for picture after their win against Arunachal Pradesh at the Sri Ramachandra Medical College Ground, Chennai on January 13. (Photo: NCA)

Morung Express News
Dimapur | January 13

The Nagaland cricket team got off to a winning start at the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy defeating Arunachal Pradesh by 9 wickets on January 13.

After winning the toss at the Sri Ramachandra Medical College Ground, Chennai on Wednesday, Arunachal Pradesh elected to bat first. The Arunachal team led by skipper Neelam Obi managed to amass 145 runs in 20 overs with a fall of 7 wickets at the end of the innings.

In reply, Nagaland’s skipper Jonathan Rongsen scored 20 runs in 11 balls before he was caught out by Nabam Tempol off Saiyed’s ball after the second over.

However, Chetan Bist and Shrikant Mundhe took up a solid partnership of 122 runs, (both not out), scoring 50 and 69 runs respectively. With 10 extras (3 lb and 7 w), Nagaland cruised to an easy run chase and won the match by 9 wickets with 25 balls remaining.

Hem Chetri, Joshua Ozukum and Khrievitso Kense also made their T20 debut on January 13 though they did not get to bat.

Kense, a 16-year old debutant, took a wicket in the match.

This was Nagaland’s second match in the tournament, however the first match against Chandigarh had to be abandoned due to wet outfield and both teams shared points. With Wednesday’s win, Nagaland now has 6 points and is placed third in the Plate group table.

The team is set to face fifth- placed Sikkim next on January 15.

The top team of the Plate group will qualify for the knock out round in Ahmedabad.

Brief Scores: 
Arunachal Innings: 145/7 in 20 overs
Nagaland Innings: 149/1 in 15.5 overs
Nagaland won by 9 wickets.