Tura District Cricket Association claimed a narrow nine-run first innings lead over Shillong Cricket Association-A on the first day of the final of the U-15 Inter District Cricket Tournament 2023 in Umbuda, Ri-Bhoi, today.
The start to the title match between the two strongest teams in the Meghalaya Cricket Association tournament saw a day that was dominated by the bowlers, with 23 wickets falling in all.
Batting first after winning the toss, SCA-A were skittled for 101 and TDCA managed to eke out a narrow lead of nine runs as they were all out for 110. By stumps, SCA-A then made 46/3 in their second innings, giving them a lead of 37.
Only three Shillong batters got into double figures – Dipayan Nandi with a heroic 48 from 47 balls, Advay Ratan Surana (21) and Rudra Singh Rathor (16). SCA-A were at one stage perched precariously on 39/7 before Nandi and Surana added 55 for the eighth wicket. That SCA-A were in such a bad position was thanks to Tura’s superb opening bowling combination of Ben Haden N Marak (4/22) and Silgrim B Marak (4/33).
Shillong had a bowling superstar of their own in the form of Gaurav J Thakuria, who claimed 5/42, while Rohit Sharma did damage of his own with 3/10. To add to his four-wicket haul, Silgrim struck a top score of 32 for TDCA while Ben Haden was the next highest scorer with 29 from just 17 deliveries. Agatchu Chetai K Marak was next in line with 28.
SCA-A were then 18/3 in their second innings but Nandi once again performed well to finish unbeaten on 25 from 20 balls, which took his team to 46/3 at stumps with it all to play for on the second and final day tomorrow.
