Kohima, March 25 (MExN): Whiskers Cricket Club, Dimapur today lifted the champions trophy of 8th Silver Cup T20 Cricket Tournament organised by Nepali Baptist Church Kohima Youth Department on the theme "Peace and Unity through cricket" at Jakhama Local Ground, Kohima. Whiskers CC became the champions of Silver Cup for the second time after 2013. This time they defeated Diphu XI by 14 runs in the final match. Favoured in the toss, Whiskers CC took the bats and set a target of 147 runs losing 6 wickets in 20 overs. Jiten contributed highest 60 runs while Jalal added 41 runs. Both of them created the partnership record of the tourney with 100 runs. Diphu XI bowlers Mridul took 2 wickets. However, chasing the target, Diphu managed to reach 133 runs losing 8 wickets in 20 overs. Rahul and Ishan made highest 39 and 32 runs respectively. Whiskers bowler Jiten downed 3 wickets supported by Sanu 2 wicket. Jiten was adjudged the player of final match. Champions received cash award of Rs 80,000, runners-up Rs 40,000, both with running trophies, citations and medals and semi-finalists Lower Bayavu Giants and Radiant CC Rs 5000 each. Individual awardees are: Player of the Tournament - Tapitu of Lower Bayavu Giants: Rs 5000 with trophy and citation. Best Wicket Keeper - Rictim of Whiskers CC, Dimapur Highest Run Getter - Tejosal of Whiskers CC, Dimapur Highest Wicket Taker - Mridul of of Whiskers CC, Dimapur The individual awardees received Rs 3000 each with citation and trophy. Emerging Player - Longsasunep of Royal Tourniquets with Rs 1000 with citation and trophy. Gracing the closing function as the chief guest, Minister for Rural Development and REPA, CL John gave away the awards to the winners. Expressing that cricket is a gentleman game, he also exhorted the players to be dedicated in their chosen sporting arena. He also lauded the persistent efforts of the organisers towards promoting the game of cricket in the State. He further encouraged the Nepali community in the state to uphold the forfathers tradition and culture of hard-work, sincerity and bravery. Compared by John Thakuri, special number was presented by Priya Thapa while benediction was pronounced by Pastor Surjay B Sapkota, Associate Pastor of NBC Kohima.
