Meghalaya clinch NECDC Senior Men’s Trophy after crushing hosts Nagaland by 110 runs

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaMay 15, 2025

Meghalaya lifted their maiden NECDC Senior Men’s Interstate Friendship Tournament trophy with a stunning 110-run victory over two-time champions and hosts Nagaland in the final of the third edition at Sovima Cricket Ground today.

Choosing to bat first after winning the toss, Meghalaya posted a competitive 230/7 in their allotted 50 overs, powered by half-centuries from Arpit Bhatewara (72 off 113 balls) and Jaskirat Singh Sachdeva (55 off 57). They were ably supported by Swastic Chettri (43) and late cameos from Akash K Choudhary (24) and Ram Gurung (16*).

Nagaland’s chase began disastrously as fiery spells from Abhishek Kumar (4/23) and Akash (2/14) left them reeling at 17/4. Despite resistance from Sedezhalie Rupero (23), Imliwati Lemtur (27), and a late effort by Chopise Hopongkyu (28), the hosts were bowled out for 120 in 34.3 overs. Spinners Manish Sharma (3/31) and Aryan Borah (1/22) ensured there was no comeback.

This victory caps off a historic double for Meghalaya, whose women’s team also triumphed in the NECDC Senior Women’s Tournament held in Sikkim last month.

The tournament was hosted by the Nagaland Cricket Association under the aegis of the North East Cricket Development Council, aimed at preparing teams for the upcoming BCCI 2025-26 season. Meghalaya had never reached the final before, having exited in the semifinals of the last two editions due to rain.

Present at the closing ceremony were Nagaland Chief Minister and NECDC Convener Neiphiu Rio, Co-Convener and Meghalaya Cricket Association President Nababrata Bhattacharjee, BCCI Apex Council Member MKJ Mazumdar, and office bearers of NECDC-affiliated state associations.

Abhishek Kumar was named Player of the Final, while Arpit Bhatewara walked away with the Best Batter and Best Wicketkeeper awards. Imliwati Lemtur was adjudged Best Bowler, and Jotin Singh of Manipur—who lost in the semifinals to Nagaland—was named Player of the Tournament. Meghalaya received Rs 2 lakh as tournament winners.

Bhattacharjee said, “It’s a brilliant win that has eluded us in the last two editions. Our team displayed sterling all-round performance and team spirit. It gives me immense pleasure to be with them in this hour of glory. A matter of pride for the MCA.”