Titans enter final with 129-run win; United Brothers’ hopes in doubt
Titans CC registered a commanding 129-run victory over Sovran CC in the 34th Mokokchung District Cricket Association (MDCA) Inter Club Cricket Tournament 2026 at Imkongmeren Sports Complex, Mokokchung, on Thursday in a match reduced to 18 overs a side.
After Sovran won the toss and opted to field, Titans posted 178 for 7 in 18 overs. The innings was built on contributions from the top order, with Manen scoring 34 off 23 balls and Nzanthung Mozhui adding 25 off 20. Vijay Rai chipped in with 40, while Odilemba Kichu provided a late flourish with an unbeaten 45 off 20 balls.
Sovran captain Temsulong produced the first and only hat trick of the tournament, dismissing Manen, Nihal Rai and Arjun Kumar Yadav in successive deliveries in the 9th over. Imtinuksung took two wickets, while Merenshilu and Lima claimed one each.
In reply, Sovran were bowled out for just 49 in 17.2 overs. The chase collapsed from the very start as Moatemsu dismissed Masetshilong and Alemsashi in the opening over without a run on the board. Temsulong top scored with 18 off 42 balls and was the only batter to reach double figures.
Moatemsu led the Titans attack with three wickets for five runs in three overs, including a maiden, and was named Player of the Match. Arjun Kumar Yadav took two wickets, while Manen, Rongsenwati and Odilemba claimed one each. Two run-outs also contributed to the collapse, while Vijay Rai bowled two maiden overs.
With three wins from three matches, Titans have secured a place in the final with one match to spare and lead the table with six points. United Brothers are second with four points from four matches, while Trebuchet CC are third with four points and a game in hand. Trebuchet will face Titans on Friday, a match that could determine the second finalist depending on the result and net run rate. A win for Trebuchet would see them through to the final, leapfrogging United Brothers. If Titans win, the fate of Trebuchet and United Brothers will be decided by net run rate.
Tritons CC and Sovran are already out of the competition and will play a dead rubber on Friday.
Tritons down defending champions United Brothers
Earlier in the morning, defending champions United Brothers suffered a setback in their title defence after losing to Tritons CC. United Brothers were bowled out for 145 in 19.5 overs, a total that would have been lower if not for contributions from the lower order. Merenkaba scored 36 in the middle order after the top order collapsed, while tail-enders Chubamaong added 24 and Arjun Rai top scored with 39.
Tritons bowlers, led by Temjenmeren, kept the pressure on with disciplined spells. Temjenmeren took three wickets, while Aloto Chichi and Hiketo Aye claimed two each. Chubaodang picked up one wicket.
In reply, Tritons CC chased down the target with two balls to spare. Hiketo Aye scored 39, Temjenmeren added 28, and Shamphri Terang contributed 33 to guide the team to victory and put United Brothers’ qualification hopes in doubt.
