Sputnik CC defeated Rangkynsai CC by three wickets to reclaim the Shillong Cricket League Super Division 2024-25 trophy here today.
Sputnik last won the title in 2023, while 2024 had joint champions as the final between Rangkynsai and Royal CC had been washed out due to rain.
Rangkynsai were made to bat first after losing the toss and they posted 217 all out in the allotted 45 overs, while Sputnik came through for the loss of seven wickets and with seven deliveries to spare.
The first innings largely went Sputnik’s way except for the resolute batting of Kishan Lyngdoh, who struck 98 from 91 balls, with 10 fours. He was denied a century by getting out to Md Nafees Siddique (1/40 in 9 overs).
Only two other batters managed to get into double figures – Ram Gurung (29 from 61) and Ajay Duhan (24 from 36). Swarajeet Das was the pick of the bowlers, taking 3/35 in a maximum of 9 overs.
In the chase there was no one batter who shone for Sputnik. Rather, three in the middle order contributed handy runs – Ashif Khan top-scoring with 49 from 79, Gurinder Singh making 46 from 44 and Amiangshu Sen hitting 45 from 80.
Gurinder (a former guest professional for the Meghalaya state team in years gone by) and Amiangshu put on 74 for the fifth wicket and should have seen Sputnik over the line comfortably but both got out to deliver some late drama, though the tail managed to knock off the handful of runs remaining – the veteran Mark Ingty struck a boundary to seal victory.
Swarajeet was named Player of the Final, Ajay the Player of the Tournament and Sputnik were handed the champions’ trophy and prize money of Rs 40,000.
Dignitaries present included Meghalaya Cricket Association president Nababrata Bhattacharjee, MCA honorary secretary Rayonald Kharkamni, MCA honorary treasurer Dhrubajyoti Thakuria and senior members of the Shillong Cricket Association.
