Shillong(Meghalaya), Oct 1: There were wins for Manipur and Sikkim in the North East Cricket Development Council’s 1st Senior Women’s Interstate Friendship T20 Tournament 2024 at Pahamsning Cricket Ground in Ri-Bhoi today.
Manipur defeated Arunachal Pradesh by 3 wickets and with 7 balls to spare in Group A, while Sikkim won against Nagaland by 4 wickets and with 8 balls in hand in Group B.
The standout performers were Monica Devi Ningthoujam of Manipur with the ball – she bagged 5/13 in 4 overs versus Arunachal – Samayita Roy Prodhan, who struck 55 from 43 balls with the bat for Sikkim, including six fours and two sixes.
Batting first after winning the toss, Arunachal posted 101/8 in 20 overs, with a top score of 23 from opening batter Nabam Abhi and 21 not out from Nabam Yapu in the middle order. Monica never let any of the batters really settle as she carved her way through the Arunachal innings with excellent bowling to take a five-wicket haul.
Manipur were 3/3 in the chase but a recovery thanks to Chingkheileima Chanu Mangsatabam (32 from 51 balls) helped get the team across the finish line. Sarpik Ligu (3/13) was the most successful bowler for Arunachal.
Later, Nagaland were made to bat first after Sikkim won the toss and were able to make 103/3 in 20 overs. Sentilemla Imsong (33 not out from 32) and Limatola Ao (21 not out from 19) went at over a run a ball but Nagaland overall were restricted to a run rate of 5.15. Pramila Limboo claimed two of the three wickets to fall for figures of 2/17 in 4 overs.
Samayita led the way for Sikkim in the chase as she entertained with her terrific half-century. When she got out, Sikkim were 76/4 and still in search of 28 more runs to win. They were able to get there largely thanks to an unbeaten 18 from 14 balls by Anjeel Lepcha.
Tomorrow Meghalaya will face Manipur from 9am followed by Sikkim versus Mizoram from 12:30pm. These will be the last group games before Thursday’s semifinals. Meghalaya tied their opener with Arunachal, while Mizoram lost to Nagaland in theirs, so both teams will be seeking their first win of the tournament.
