Shillong, Oct 17: Meghalaya pulled off another sensational 7-run win in the U-19 men’s Vinoo Mankad Trophy plate group match, this time against Mizoram, in Chandigarh today.
Meghalaya had won by the same margin against Nagaland just two days ago and repeated the feat today in their last match of the tournament.
Ashish Kumar Lohar impressed with bat and especially the ball in the low-scoring contest. He hit 32 from 30 deliveries as Meghalaya were all out for 127 in 49.3 overs and then stunned the opposition batters with 8/29 in 9.3 overs as Mizoram were dismissed for 120 in 27.3 overs.
Meghalaya could not quite settle while batting and wickets fell at regular intervals. Ashish clubbed five fours and a six in his entertaining innings but Meghalaya were just 97/7 when he was dismissed. However, some very handy runs were scored by No. 11 Namewanhi Pakyntein, who contributed 23 from 46 balls (5x4s) to the cause and was unbeaten at the end of the innings. Malsawmmuanzela was the best Mizoram bowler with figures of 4/21 in 10 overs.
Those runs of Namewanhi proved crucial as Mizoram almost knocked over Meghalaya’s total. No. 6 batter Malsawmmuanzela almost singlehandedly got his team over the line, as he whacked 54 from just 36 deliveries but Ashish had him LBW last man out to win the match. The other two wickets to fall were both claimed by Mewankitbok Kharpuri (2/48 in 8 overs).
Meghalaya started up front with two defeats but ended the tournament with three consecutive victories in a hugely positive turnaround in form, though batting is an area where they will want to work hard on as the season progresses.
RANJI TROPHY
Meanwhile, it appears a near certainty that Meghalaya and Mizoram will have to share points in their Ranji Trophy 2025-26 plate group match as no play was possible for a third straight day due to persistent dampness of the outfield.
