In a fast paced final match between ESA Warriors and Kohima Legends, the ESA Warriors secured a historic victory in the first edition of the Senior Masters League trophy 2023-2024. The final match was played at Nagaland Cricket Stadium on Saturday.
Despite Kohima Legends having previously won both encounters against the Warriors in the league matches, the Warriors broke the jinx as it registered an easy win against Kohima Legends by 101 runs.
The final match saw the Warriors successfully defending a challenging score of 183 runs in the allotted 20 overs.
In their run chase, Kohima Legends were choked as the Warrior’s spinners bowled them out for 81 runs, thereby ending their dominance and winning the match by 101 runs to inscribe their feat in the annals of Senior Masters League history. Watinungsang of ESA Warriors was adjudged as man of the match for the final match for his knock of 59 runs off 27 balls. Meanwhile, delivering a short message at the prize distribution ceremony, Honorary Secretary, Nagaland Cricket Association (NCA), Hyunilo Anilo Khing, expressed gratitude for the substantial turnout, adding that the tournament was to enjoy and learn the beautiful game of cricket.
Khing highlighted the pivotal role of SML in ushering in new era for cricket promotion, adding that the tournament served as a unifying platform for former players, fostering camaraderie and contributing to the game’s growth in the state.
He also acknowledged the challenges faced by the governing committee during the two-month long tournament, and lauded them for their unwavering commitment.
Dwelling on the developmental strides undertaken by NCA, he attributed its success to the significant backing from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), which was made possible through the efforts of Chief Minister Rio.
He spoke on NCA’s active participation in domestic matches organized by BCCI, adding that with eight teams, four each for men and women, has significantly boosted the state’s economy. Here, he highlighted that the income generated for players and support staff surpassed 3 crores in a single season, thereby elevating cricket’s impact on the local economy. Concluding his speech, Khing urged parents and guardians to encourage their children and wards to pursue sports professionally, emphasizing the transformative impact of professional sports.
He called for collective efforts to realize the dream of a flourishing and developed region, concluding with a commitment to share more success stories in the future.
During the prize distribution ceremony, Pankaj Kumar Ghosh of ESA Warriors was adjudged the Best Batsmen of tournament for amassing 390 runs in the whole tournament, Alongba Pongen of ESA Warriors was adjudged the Best Bowler for his 27 wickets haul in the entire tournament, Bovika of Chumou Blasters was adjudged the best Wicket Keeper, and Vizalie Shuya of Kohima Old Boys, the Man of the Series.
It can be noted that the tournament commenced on November 4, 2023, with a total participation of 16 teams. The tournament witnessed a total of 31 matches, including the final, which were played on weekends.