Shillong, Apr 8: Meghalaya put the disappointment of losing their first match behind them as they rebounded with a three-wicket victory against hosts Nagaland in Group A of the NECDC U-19 Men’s One Day Tournament in Sovima today.
Meghalaya had lost to Manipur by 144 runs yesterday but came out hungry today and they began by winning the toss and choosing to field.
Mewankitbok Kharpuri was the star of the bowling department, with the leg-spinner taking a brilliant 5/33 in 10 overs. Benedict Jones Makdoh (2/31 in 8 overs), Gaurav Narleng (1/2 in 0.5) and Apandanka Marak (1/25 in 7) were the other wicket-takers as Nagaland were all out for 167 in 39.5 overs.
For Nagaland, both Shyerinlo and Amongti Longkumer made 36 runs each.
The chase was not smooth sailing as Meghalaya were 22/3 before Mewankitbok was joined out in the middle by Angkit Tamang. Together they put on 49 for the fourth wicket before Mewan was dismissed for 34 from 44 balls (4x4s, 2x6s).
Angkit fell around 10 overs later for 42 (67 balls, 4x4s) as Meghalaya got themselves closer to the target. Nagaland still had hope of a turnaround but Rudra Singh Rathore (34 not out from 27 balls, 4x4s, 1×6) ensured that he was present to see off the required runs for Meghalaya, which reached 170/7 in 29.4 overs.
For his performance with bat and ball, Mewan was justifiably declared Player of the Match.
