A&K Cricket Fraternity will face Titans CC in the final match of the ongoing 31st edition of Inter Club T20 tournament organized by Mokokchung District Cricket Association (MDCA) on Monday at Imkongmeren Sports Complex.
On Saturday, A&K Cricket Fraternity defeated Trebuchet CC in the first semifinal match to book their berth in the final. After winning the toss, Trebuchet opted to bat first and scored a total of 142/8 in 20 overs.
Tongpangyongdang (24), Anoksangba (25) and Imcharen (26) were the leading rung getters for Trebuchet. Imtichiba, Moatemjen and Nihal picked 2 wickets each for A&K Cricket Fraternity.
A&K lost a couple of early wickets but Nripen with his knock of 53 off 45 balls steadied things for his team. Menchet (25), Opang (27*) and Nihal (21*) were the other top run getters for A&K.
Opang and skipper Nihal played sensible cricket to remain not out and ensure their team’s victory with 8 balls to spare as they won the match by 6 wickets in 18.4 overs.
Nripen Rai was adjudged Man of the Match and was awarded a certificate, a ball and a cash of Rs.1000.
In the 2nd semifinal match played between Titans CC and Züngamedem CC, the former set up an imposing total of 194/6 after they were put in to bat first. Züngamedem’s decision to field first after winning to toss seemed to be the right decision as they picked up wickets at regular intervals and Titans were reduced to 77/6 till the 13th over.
However, Titans’ number 7 batter Basant turned things around for his team as he punished Züngamedem bowlers with some powerful knocks. He remained not out on 110 from just 38 balls at a staggering strike rate of 289, which included 13 sixes and 5 fours. Basant single handedly took the Titans to an imposing total as they recovered from 77/6 in 13 overs to 194/6 in their allotted 20 overs.
Temjenmeren was the pick of the bowlers for Züngamedem with his haul of 4 wickets while Moalong scalped 1.
In reply, Züngamedem could score only 147/9 in 20 overs, handing the Titans a big win by 47 runs. Züngamedem opener Champo scored 50 (29) but none of the other top order batsmen managed to settle and make any significant contribution. The lower order batters did manage to get the scorecard ticking for Züngamedem but there was never going to be any surprise recovery to chase down the imposing target.
Alemtemsu, Toshimeren and Longsasunep each picked 2 wickets while Basant claimed 1 for the Titans.
Man of the Match award went to Basant for his 110 runs not out and was awarded a cash prize of Rs 1000, a ball and a certificate.