Dimapur emerged as the champions of the 4th late G. Rio Memorial Men’s U19 inter-district cricket tournament 2024 for the 3rd time after defeating Niuland at Nagaland Cricket Stadium, 6th Mile, Sovima.
Put in to bat first, Niuland managed to score a par total of 133 runs losing all wickets in 41.1 overs. Niuland had a tough time in the crease as they lost wickets at regular intervals. Kundan 33 runs, Pawan 21 runs and Kumar 17 runs were the only notable batters who helped their team to post a respectable total.
For Dimapur, Dipu picked up 3 wickets, Samir and Sundaram took 2 wickets while Deepak, Medempok Pongen and Raj got a wicket each.
With a target of 134 to win, Dimapur had a great start as both openers Dipu (21 runs) and Anirudh (44 runs) were comfortably scoring runs. However, Niuland bowlers came back strong as they picked up the wickets of the set Dimapur batters. Dimapur’s Shyerinlo 29 runs and Samir Ali 20 runs steadied their innings before the former was caught and bowled by Jatin.
With still 5 wickets in hand and 6 runs to win, Samir Ali also threw away his wicket after trying to hit a maximum to finish off the contest. There was tension in the Dimapur dug-out as they lost 3 wickets in quick succession and they still needed another 6 runs to win with the last wicket on the crease. At one stage, the match was on the Niuland side however, Deepak and Medempok held on to their nerves and stirred Dimapur team to victory.
Man of the Match (Final): Dipu (Dimapur); Best Bowler: Amongti (Mokokchung); Best Batsman: Raja (Zunheboto); Best Wicket Keeper: Shyerinlo Thong (Dimapur); Player of the Tournament: Sundaram (Dimapur) and Spirit of Cricket Award: Tseminyu.
The closing programme and prize distribution ceremony was graced by chairman, Village Council Sovima, Sebastian Zumvü.