The Meghalaya Cricket Association’s U-23 Boys Inter District Cricket Tournament began today with a handsome nine-wicket victory for Shillong Cricket Association (A) against East Jaiñtia Cricket Association.
The match in Nongkhrah, Ri-Bhoi, saw EJCA win the toss and choose to bat first but they were all out for 109 in 29.5 overs. Dev Rai (37) and Dencil Manar (22) were the chief contributors for EJCA. Ayush Rabha claimed 3/34, three SCA (A) bowlers picked up a brace of wickets each – PM Santhosh (2/8), Jaskirat (2/8) and Ankit Kumar (2/12) – and Aaron AR Nongrum took 1/13.
SCA (A) lost an early wicket but still knocked off the required runs in just 11.2 overs as they scored at almost 10 runs an over. Player-of-the-match Kevin Christopher was in impeccable form, smashing an unbeaten 59 from just 33 deliveries, with 10 fours to his name. Mrityunjay Bharali struck 35 not out off 27 balls.
Tomorrow will see Ri-Bhoi face West Khasi Hills.
Teams from across Meghalaya have been divided into two zones. Zone 1 consists of eight teams and has been divided into two groups – SCA (A), SCA (B), East Jaiñtia CA and All Jaiñtia CA in Group A and Ri-Bhoi, South West Khasi Hills, West Khasi Hills and East Khasi Hills in Group B.
Zone 2 is a single group zone comprising Tura District CA, North Garo Hills, East Garo Hills and South Garo Hills. The matches in this zone will be played at Mendipathar Mini Stadium. As there are only four competing teams, the action will begin on 11 March.
