Dimapur, December 1 (MExN): The three-day Vijay Merchant (U-16) Trophy for North East and Bihar got underway today with Nagaland taking on Manipur at the Nagaland Cricket Stadium in Sovima Dimapur. Manipur won the toss and put the host to bat as Nagaland’s U-16 boys lasted 60.2 overs but could only manage to put on 130 runs on the scoreboard. In reply, Manipur were 72/4 having batted for 31 overs as the first day of play came to a close. Meanwhile, Meghalaya took on Sikkim in Shillong while Bihar played Arunachal Pradesh at Patna. In Shillong, Sikkim, having won the toss, elected to bat but were bowled out in 50 overs for just 114 runs. Host Meghalaya in reply, went on to score 129/4 in 38 overs – taking a lead of 15 runs at the close of the first day’s play. In Patna, host Bihar look set for a big win and may well finish off the game on the second day itself. The young boys from Arunachal Pradesh found the going tough as they were bundled out for a paltry 83 runs in 31 overs. In reply, Bihar put on 371 in 57 overs losing just two wickets. The lead of 288 at the end of the day 1 already looking a formidable score even as the host continue to pile on the run.
