Utd Brothers, Titans register wins in MDCA opener

Defending champions United Brothers CC began their title defence on a winning note, defeating Trebuchet CC by 4 wickets in the opening match of the Mokokchung District Cricket Association (MDCA) Inter Club Cricket Tournament 2026 at Imkongmeren Sports Complex, Monday.
Batting first, Trebuchet CC posted 162/7 in 20 overs, powered by Temsuwati Jamir’s 54 (39) and a quick-fire 30 off 11 balls from Ganesh Sharmah. For United Brothers, skipper Nripen Rai picked two wickets while Mughavi Sumi, Chubamaong, Hem and Arjun Rai claimed one each.
In reply, United Brothers suffered a top-order collapse at 25/4, with Trebuchet’s Imnayanger wreaking havoc (4/34). However, Hem’s 58 (43) and Merenkaba’s unbeaten 47 (27) guided the champions home with 10 balls to spare. Hem was adjudged Player of the Match.
In the second match, Titans CC defeated Tritons CC by 3 runs via the DLS method in a rain-hit encounter. Batting first, Tritons posted 151/6, with Temjenmeren (44 off 20) and Anoksangba (39 off 38) leading the charge. Titans’ bowlers shared the spoils, with Moatemsu picking two wickets.
Chasing, Titans were 120/6 in 15.3 overs when rain intervened. Arjun Kumar Yadav’s 56 (31) proved decisive as the DLS calculation favoured Titans. For Tritons, Sensosang and Chubaodang bagged three wickets each.
Earlier, guest of honour Atsungba Walling, ADC Mokokchung and CEO MMC, inaugurated the tournament. He lauded MDCA’s efforts in promoting cricket despite challenges and encouraged players to pursue the game with passion, noting cricket’s unmatched professional prospects in India.
MDCA president Imlikumzuk Longkumer highlighted ongoing infrastructure development, including an all-weather practice pitch under the aegis of the Nagaland Cricket Association (NCA), which has been a full member of the BCCI since 2018. He also hinted at plans to introduce a 35+ cricket series to revive interest and expand the fan base.
On the sidelines of the 34th MDCA Inter Club Cricket Tournament 2026 inaugural, guest of honour Atsungba Walling, ADC Mokokchung and CEO MMC, who also represented Zircon CC in the 1990s, recalled how the annual cricket tournament was once a much-awaited event in the town. He noted that in earlier years, more than 20 teams, including several from rural areas, participated in the tournament, making it a major sporting occasion.
In contrast, Walling observed that the number of clubs has drastically dwindled in recent years, with only five teams competing in the current edition. While the quality of the game and management aspects such as umpiring and scorekeeping have improved, the overall player base has declined compared to the 1990s and early 2000s.
Despite the challenges, the MDCA has been making concerted efforts to revive cricket in Mokokchung, particularly after Nagaland attained full membership in the BCCI in 2018.
Currently, Mokokchung does not have a formal cricket academy, but several local talents have already made their mark. Odilemba of United Brothers CC has represented the state U-23 team and was recently selected for the senior team, while siblings Amongti and Salangdangba of Sovran CC are part of the state U-19 squad.
Five clubs are participating in the tournament. To balance quality and promote local talent, the MDCA allows two ‘outstation’ players in each team’s playing XI. Fans can follow live match updates of the tournament on cricheroes.com.