Nagaland delivered a dominant all-round performance to register a comprehensive 10-wicket victory over Arunachal Pradesh in the Col. CK Nayudu Trophy (Plate Group) U23 match played from October 26 to 29 at the Sovima Cricket Ground, Sovima.
Arunachal Pradesh, after winning the toss and electing to bat, were bundled out for 142 in their first innings. T Jacob top-scored with a gritty 48 off 173 balls, but lacked support from the other end. Nagaland’s bowlers kept a tight grip throughout, with Anil Gupta leading the attack with figures of 5 for 37. He was well supported by Neizekho, who claimed 3 for 9, and Kelhousilie Zaputou, who picked up 2 for 40.
In reply, Nagaland posted 204 in their first innings, taking a 62-run lead. Keneizetuo Rio anchored the innings with a solid 53 off 144 balls, while Kavito added 43 off 82. For Arunachal, Amarjeet Sharma stood out with a six-wicket haul, finishing with 6 for 68 from 19.1 overs.
Arunachal Pradesh faltered again in their second innings, collapsing for just 68 in 33.2 overs. Only Leki Tsering managed to reach double figures with 21 runs. Neizekho produced a match-winning spell, taking 6 wickets for only 8 runs, while Zaputou contributed 2 for 13.
Needing just seven runs to win, Nagaland completed the chase effortlessly, reaching 7 without loss in two overs. Openers Keneizetuo Rio (5 not out) and Mughavi Sumi (2 not out) sealed the emphatic 10-wicket win.