East Khasi Hills defeated Shillong Cricket Association by 35 runs in the first Zone 1 semifinal of the U-23 Women’s Inter District Cricket Tournament in Nongstoin today.
Meanwhile, in Zone 2, South Garo Hills won their second match in as many days, comfortably defeating North Garo Hills by five wickets in Nongalbibra, South Garo Hills.
In the first match, EKH won the toss and made 166/8 in their allotted 35 overs. Lanosha Diengdoh and Lapynhunlang Khongngain both made 22 runs each, while Reshma Thapa claimed 3/25 and Mansi Anand 2/38 for SCA.
SCA started the chase very well, thanks to Neha Hajong’s 43 at the top of the order but none of her team mates could pick up the baton when she fell and the Shillong team were all out for 131 in 29.4 overs, having lost nine wickets for 43 runs. Diengdoh removed the in-form Hajong and took two other wickets for figures of 3/22 and the player-of-the-match award.
In the other game, NGH won the toss and chose to bat but were bundled out for 68. Skangsachuame Marak was the brightest spot for NGH with 18 runs. And after taking six wickets yesterday, Jaylynn Marak claimed 5/16 today, while Chiame D Sangma bagged 4/21.
SGH did lose five wickets in the chase but a run-a-ball 24 not out from captain Kim D Shira ensured that the team reached the target in just 10 overs. Julitha Sangma (3/15) claimed three of the wickets to fall while the other two were taken by Chigame Marak (2/21).
Tomorrow, the second Zone 1 semifinal will take place between All Jaintia CA and West Khasi Hills. In Zone 2, Tura District CA will face East Garo Hills in the last of that zone’s league matches.
