Shillong Cricket Association and Tura District Cricket Association will meet in the final of the Meghalaya Cricket Association’s U-15 Inter District Tournament after both emerged victorious from their respective last-four contests in Nongkhrah, Nongpoh, today.
TDCA had defeated All Jaintia Cricket Association by 25 runs in the first semifinal before SCA cruised to a 10-wicket win over East Garo Hills Cricket Association.
Tura chose to bat after winning the toss and went at 9 runs an over to put on 182/5 in their 20 overs. Man-of-the-match Harshit Prasad was largely responsible for their big total thanks to his unbeaten 79, which came off just 60 deliveries and included 13 fours and a six. Four of the five bowlers used took wickets; Maremdor Sutnga (2/35) returned the best figures of them all.
In the chase, AJCA put up a good fight but were only able to post 157/8. Like Tura, they depended on one batter for the most part – Heiyoomiki Ryngkhlem, who struck 75 not out off 64 balls with 12 fours. Tura used six bowlers in all, with five of them claiming wickets. Agatchu Chetai K Marak (2/20) and Darnel Bilkam M Sangma (2/25) picked up a brace each.
The second game was a bit more one-sided. EGH won the toss and chose to bat but were bundled out for 45. Just two batters could reach double figures, with Happynews M Sangma, the Number 9, top-scoring with 14. Man-of-the-match Aashish Kumar Lohar returned the best figures of 4/11.
SCA had little trouble in reaching the target, which the opening pair of Rudra Singh Rathore (24 not out) and Krishiv Choudhary (14 not out) managed in 6 overs.
The final, also to be played in Nongkhrah, will take place on Thursday between Shillong and Tura, the two strongest teams to have emerged from the tournament.
