Meghalaya were victorious by four wickets over Mizoram after a tense chase in their U-16 boys’ Vijay Merchant Trophy match in Cuttack today.
Mizoram had been dismissed for 179 in their first innings to which Meghalaya responded with 215/10. Mizoram resumed their second innings today on 160/6 and were eventually all out for 194. That set Meghalaya a target of 159 for victory, which they accomplished for the loss of six wickets.
Batting last was far from easy but Meghalaya tried to make the best of it. Kriswal S Marak top-scored with 40 opening the innings but practically every player managed to get a good start. Dipayan Nandi, who hit 78 in the first innings, contributed 35 to the second, while Rudra Singh Rathore was out for 20.
In the end it came down to Heiyomiki Ryngkhlem who needed to see his side over the line as there were not too many batters left in the dugout. Thankfully, he was up to the task and finished unbeaten on 28.
Earlier, Mizoram could only add 34 runs to their overnight score. Manthan Gupta was the pick of the bowlers in the second innings, claiming 4/20 in 16 overs, while Apandanka Marak took 4/63 in 24.2. Paisal Ali (1/15 in 6) and Gaurav Jyoti Thakuria (1/78 in 23) were the other wicket takers. The latter had bagged five wickets in Mizoram’s first innings.
Meghalaya’s next and final group match will be against Manipur from 21 December.
