Wokha, January 5 (MExN): GAPYOCC (Green) defeated Kohima Hornbill by 51 runs to set one foot in the final of the 21st Winter Cricket Challenge, played at Local Ground, Wokha. Electing to bat after winning the toss, a solid second wicket partnership between brothers, opener Yanrethung (42 runs) and Santsuthung Ngullie (41) set the batting of GAPYOCC in motion after an early jolt as they scored 143 runs, losing 6 wickets. Ganesh Sarmah also chipped in with a quick fire 17 runs from just 8 deliveries. Bargish claimed 3 wickets and Bicky 2 wickets for Kohima Hornbill. In the run chase, a strong and disciplined bowling attack by the GAPYOCC bowlers restricted the Kohima Hornbill batsmen as they were bundled out in the 16th over for 91 runs – 52 short of victory. With wickets falling at regular intervals, an undeterred skipper, Tapitu braved the bowling onslaught scoring 31 runs and was briefly assisted by Bargish who made 18. It was Debojit who ripped through the Hornbill batsmen taking a haul of 4 wickets with Vinato and Myanbemo sharing the remaining with 3 wickets each. Debojit was later given the Man of the Match award by Match Patron Tokavi Achumi, Addl. SP. Wokha. Friday’s matches: GAPYOCC vs Renegades CC Royal Strikers vs Kohima Hornbill CC
