Nokrek Tigers and Myntdu Lions will face off for the prestigious Meghalaya Cricket Association’s Senior Men Challengers Cup in the final on Saturday.
Besides the trophy and glory associated with becoming champions, the added incentive is to be able to perform in front of Shri Mohammad Azharuddin, the former Indian national team captain and legend of the sport. Azharuddin, who is the Hyderabad Cricket Association President, has kindly consented to be present on the occasion.
Other dignitaries who will be witness to the game are Shri DP Wahlang IAS, Additional Chief Secretary, Shri HWT Syiem IAS, retired Chief Secretary, former Secretary of the North Eastern Council and former President of the Shillong Cricket Association and Shri Naba Bhattacharjee, former Honorary Secretary of the MCA, Coordinator of the BCCI Task Force and Advisor to the Honourable Chief Minister.
Both the Tigers and Lions finished the intense 10 days of round robin action with 10 points each but Nokrek were narrowly in front on net run rate, while Umiam Eagles, Simsang Sharks and Symper Panthers failed to get into the top two, though they each had their moments in a highly competitive tournament.
Despite the wet weather in Shillong over the past two weeks, there was only one match that could not be completed and that was the game between the Lions and Tigers on 28 April, meaning that there is no head-to-head to give us an indication of which team is stronger.
With the bat, Nokrek appear to have the edge, as four of their batters have made half-centuries – Anish Charak twice, captain Sylvester Mylliempdah, Krishna Thapa and Rajesh Tati. Meanwhile, Myntdu’s Aryan Bora has been the standout bowler with 13 scalps so far, including two five-wicket hauls.
In what promises to be a keenly-contested finale, Mylliempdah and his opposite number Dippu Ch Sangma will be determined to rally their charges to victory and impress Azharuddin as well as the MCA selectors ahead of the next season.
The match will begin at 9am and all are welcome to attend. The prize distribution ceremony will take place not before 3pm.
