DIMAPUR, APRIL 14 (MExN): Zunheboto and Kohima emerged victorious in their respective matches of the 5th Late G. Rio Memorial Men’s U19 Inter-District Cricket Tournament 2025, played on April 14 at the Sovima Cricket Ground and the Nagaland Cricket Stadium in Chümoukedima.
At Sovima, Zunheboto defeated Tseminyu by four wickets in a low-scoring thriller. Tseminyu won the toss and opted to bat first but were bowled out for 79 runs in 32.2 overs. The only notable contribution came from Sonyelo Kent, who scored 27 runs off 34 balls. Zunheboto’s bowling attack, led by Yeshika Zhimomi, proved too strong for the Tseminyu batters. Zhimomi produced a devastating spell, taking five wickets for just 16 runs in nine overs, completely dismantling the batting line-up.
In response, Zunheboto chased down the target with some stumbles along the way, reaching 83 for six in 19.2 overs. Abhi Das held his nerve to guide his side to victory with a composed knock of 29 runs from 40 deliveries. Sonyelo Kent, continuing his all-round performance, bowled a fine spell for Tseminyu, picking up four wickets for 25 runs in seven overs and creating pressure during the middle overs. Despite Kent’s efforts, Zunheboto successfully completed the chase. For his match-winning bowling performance, Yeshika Zhimomi was awarded the Player of the Match.
Meanwhile, at the Nagaland Cricket Stadium, Kohima cruised to a dominant nine-wicket win over Tuensang. Tuensang, after choosing to bat first, collapsed for just 49 runs in 14.5 overs. Phololi was the only batter to reach double digits, scoring 19 runs off 35 balls. Kohima’s bowling was relentless, with Vizoletuo Zhale leading the way with figures of three for nine in five overs. He received strong support from Sangtsulen Tshunherii and Jenithung Ezung, who both finished with identical figures of three for 12 runs, ensuring a swift end to the Tuensang innings.
Kohima chased down the target with ease, finishing at 50 for one in just 7.4 overs. Tachuye Trakha remained unbeaten on 19 from 26 balls, steering his team to a comfortable win. Tuensang’s only wicket came from Aratsa Mongzar, who claimed one for 14 in two overs. Vizoletuo Zhale was named the Player of the Match for his sharp and economical bowling spell that laid the foundation for Kohima’s victory.
Player of the Match Yeshika Zhimomi of Zunheboto was photographed holding his certificate after a five-wicket haul that led his team to victory at Sovima Cricket Ground. In another ceremony, Vizoletuo Zhale of Kohima received the Player of the Match certificate following his three-wicket performance at the Nagaland Cricket Stadium.
The tournament will continue on Tuesday with Dimapur taking on Tuensang at the Nagaland Cricket Stadium, and Chümoukedima facing Zunheboto at the Sovima Cricket Ground. Both matches are scheduled to begin at 9:00 AM.
