Vijay Merchant Trophy: Local lad Rupreo scalps 7 as Nagaland rout AP

Neizekho Rupreo from Nagaland, who took 7 wickets in 2nd innings and 8 overall during their opening match of the ongoing Vijay Merchant Trophy against Arunachal Pradesh on October 12. (NCA Photo)

Dimapur, October 12 (MExN): An innings-haul of seven wickets by local lad Neizekho Rupreo ensured Nagaland a resounding win against Arunachal Pradesh in their inaugural match of the ongoing U-16 boys Vijay Merchant Trophy on October 12 

Nagaland defeated Arunachal Pradesh by an innings and 321 runs with a day to spare, and Rupreo’s total match-haul was 8 wickets with another in the first innings.

The three-day a match test tournament for the North-East and Bihar Zone, Season 2019-20 is being played at NCA Stadium, Sovima Dimapur.

A press release from Nagaland Cricket Association (NCA) Joint Secretary A Rahman informed that in the second innings, the Arunachali side were bowled out for mere 72 runs in 27.3 overs on Saturday. 

Apart from Rupreo, his team mate Rohan took 3 wickets in the second innings, taking his match total to 9.  

Earlier, batting first, Nagaland team made a formidable total of 422 runs in their first innings with Yugandhar top-scoring with 148 runs, followed by Rohan with 71 runs.

In reply, Arunachal Pradesh could manage only 29 runs in their first innings in 23.1 overs, forcing them to follow-on, with 393 in deficit. 

However, repeat superior performance by Nagaland’s bowlers ensured they won the match by an innings and 321 runs as their opponent collapsed with baltry 79 runs on the board.   

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has allotted the NCA to host four matches of the ongoing Vijay Merchant trophy of the North-East and Bihar Zone for the season 2019-20. 

Nagaland will play Manipur next from October 17 to 19, followed by a match against Mizoram from October 23 to 25. The fourth and final match is against Sikkim from October 31 to November 2.

Brief Score: 
Nagaland 1st Innings: 422/10 in 92.5 overs
Yugandhar- 148 runs; Rohan- 71 runs; Yash- 63 runs

Arunachal Pradesh 1st Innings: 29/10 in 23.1 Overs
Arunachal Pradesh 2nd Innings: 72 All Out in 27.3 Overs  

Nagaland Fixtures
Against      Date
Manipur     October 17 to 19
Mizoram    October 23 to 25
Sikkim       October 31 to November 2