The Imkongmeren Sports Complex came alive on Tuesday as the 32nd edition of the Mokokchung District Cricket Association (MDCA) Inter Club Cricket Tournament, organized by the MDCA under the auspices of the Nagaland Cricket Association, got underway. Mokokchung EAC, Vitolu, graced the occasion as the special guest.
This year, six seasoned teams are vying for the prestigious cup of the biggest cricket tournament in the district, setting the stage for intense competition. The tournament commenced with a gripping match between Trebuchet CC and defending champions Titans CC.
Trebuchet CC vs Titans CC: A rollercoaster clash
In the inaugural match between Trebuchet CC and Titans CC, the Trebuchet captain Anoksangba won the toss and elected to bat. Trebuchet displayed a strong start, and at one point, it seemed they would easily cross the 180-run mark. However, Titans’ spinners Arpit (3/19 in 4 overs) and Longsasunep (3/35 in 4 overs) staged a remarkable comeback, restricting Trebuchet to 157/8 in 20 overs.
Mudassir was the top scorer for Trebuchet, contributing 73 runs in just 42 balls, adorned with eight 4s and five 6s. Anoksangba and Imnayanger also made notable contributions with 27 runs and 15 runs, respectively.
Chasing the target, Titans faced early setbacks and were reduced to 33/5 in 7 overs. However, Basant’s resilient knock of 71 runs from 48 balls, along with Tongpang’s 11 runs, stabilized the innings. In a thrilling turn of events, Titans’ tailenders stood valiantly, taking the match to the last over. Titans scored 13 runs in the penultimate over with last man in the crease Sagar knocking three 4s off Bablu Deka. Needing 15 runs with the last wicket at the crease, Sagar emerged as the hero, smashing a huge six on the last ball, securing victory for Titans by 1 wicket.
The match went to the wire with Titans needing 15 runs in the last over with the last wicket at the crease. The first ball of the last over bowled by Chubaodang was dispatched for a six but the bowler came back strongly giving away just 3 runs in the next four deliveries. Titans needed to hit the last ball for a six and Sagar became the hero for his team by hitting the ball for a maximum to take the team to victory by 1 wicket.
Sovran triumphs over Jovial CC
In the second match of the day, Sovran emerged victorious against Jovial CC by a margin of 30 runs. Sovran, batting first, posted a total of 143/9 in 20 overs, with Chubatemsu’s late flourish contributing 45 runs. Imtichiba of Jovial showcased an impressive bowling performance, claiming 3/23 in 4 overs.
Chasing the target, Jovial struggled to gain momentum, with Temsulong (3/14) and Salangdangba (3/24) wreaking havoc. Jovial was eventually bowled out for 113 runs, giving Sovran a convincing victory.