4th Late G Rio memorial cricket tournament: Dimapur beat Niuland to lift title

DIMAPUR — Dimapur district lifted the 4th Late G Rio Memorial Men’s U-19 Inter-District Tournament title for the third time after defeating Niuland district in the final match played at Nagaland Cricket Stadium, Sovima, on Monday.

After being put to bat first in a highly-anticipated final match, Niuland managed to score 133 runs for loss of all wickets in 41.1 overs, with wickets falling at regular intervals. Kundan (33 runs), Pawan (21 runs) and Kumar (17 runs) were the only notable batters who helped their team to post a respectable total.

For Dimapur, Dipu picked up 3 wickets,while Samir and Sundaram took 2 wickets apiece and Deepak, Medempok Pongen and Raj scalped a wicket each.

With a target of 134 to win, Dimapur openers Dipu (21 runs) and Anirudh (44 runs) gave a good start, scoring runs at will and it appeared at one point of time that the match would end early.

However, Niuland bowlers came back strong as they picked up the wickets of the well entrenched Dimapur batters. Then Shyerinlo (29 runs) and Samir Ali (20 runs) steadied Dimapur’s innings before the former was caught and bowled out by Jatin.

With still 5 wickets in hand and 6 runs to win, Samir Ali also threw away his wicket after trying to hit a maximum to finish off the contest. There was tension in the Dimapur dug-out as they lost 3 wickets in quick succession, while they still needed another 6 runs to win with the last wicket on the crease. However, Deepak and Medempok held on to their nerves and stirred their team to victory.

The closing programme and prize distribution ceremony was attended by Sebastian Zumvü, chairman of Sovima Village Council.

Winners of individual prizes

Man of the match (Final): Dipu (Dimapur)

Best bowler: Amongti (Mokokchung)

Best batsman: Raja (Zunheboto)

Best wicket keeper: Shyerinlo Thong (Dimapur)

Player of the tournament: Sundaram (Dimapur)

Spirit of cricket award: Tseminyu

Also read: Late G Rio Memorial Men’s U-19 Inter-District Tournament: Dimapur, Niuland through to final