North East Women’s T20 semifinals: Meghalaya vs Nagaland, Sikkim vs Manipur

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaOctober 2, 2024

Meghalaya defeated Manipur by 17 runs on October 2, finishing at the top of Group A and securing a spot in the semifinals of the North East Cricket Development Council’s 1st Senior Women’s Interstate Friendship T20 Tournament 2024. The match was held at Pahamsning Cricket Ground, Ri-Bhoi.

In Group B, Sikkim edged past Mizoram with a 9-run victory. After defeating Nagaland the previous day, Sikkim topped the group, with Nagaland finishing second. In Group A, Manipur claimed the second spot after defeating Arunachal Pradesh.

Meghalaya, after winning the toss and opting to bat, posted 97/5 in their 20 overs. Despite losing three wickets for just 13 runs, Neha Hajong (18) and Luiza Tamang (32 not out) revived the innings with a 45-run partnership. Daiaka Warjri added 14 runs to push the total close to 100. Manipur’s bowlers RK Linthoingambi Devi, Chingkheileima Chanu Mangsatabam, and Monica Devi Ningthoujam all claimed a wicket each, finishing with identical figures of 1/13.

In response, Manipur were bowled out for 80 in 18.4 overs. Monica (24) and Kalpana Devi Keisham (17 not out) were the only batters to reach double figures. Daiaka Warjri took 2/26, while Ruby Chettri (1/5), Debasmita Dutta (1/9), and Ajima Sangma (1/13) each contributed with a wicket.

This victory made Meghalaya the first team in the tournament to win while batting first, followed later by Sikkim in their match.

Sikkim, having been put in to bat after Mizoram won the toss, posted a modest 72/7 in 20 overs. Tshering Ongmu Lepcha (20) and Anjeel Lepcha (18 not out) were the top scorers, while Mamta Rai claimed 3/11 for Mizoram.

Mizoram’s chase started positively with Felfeli Pautu (14) and P Vansangzuali (22), but their dismissals slowed the innings, leaving them at 63/8 after 20 overs. Purni Maya Gurung was Sikkim’s standout bowler, finishing with 3/8 in 4 overs.

The semifinals will be held on October 3, with Meghalaya facing Nagaland at 9 am, followed by Sikkim against Manipur at 12:30 pm.