Cricket: Niuland cruises past Zunheboto, Kohima edges Dimapur in U19 G Rio Tournament

The 5th Late G. Rio Memorial Men’s U19 Inter-District Cricket Tournament 2025 witnessed contrasting but exciting matches, with Niuland registering a dominant 5-wicket win over Zunheboto, while Kohima edged past Dimapur in a thrilling 1-wicket finish.

Niuland defeats Zunheboto by 5 wickets
Niuland clinched a convincing 5-wicket victory over Zunheboto in the ongoing 5th Late G. Rio Memorial Men’s U19 Inter-District Cricket Tournament 2025 at Nagaland Cricket Stadium, Chümoukedima.

Batting first after winning the toss, Zunheboto struggled to build partnerships and were bowled out for 119 in 29.2 overs. Nikato Zhimo stood tall amid the collapse, scoring a valiant 79 off 69 balls, while the rest of the lineup faltered. Niuland’s bowling attack was clinical, with Sujit Laskar leading the charge, taking 3 for 20 in 7 overs. Rizwan also made an impact, picking up 2 wickets for just 9 runs in 2 overs.

In reply, Niuland chased down the target in 31.4 overs, finishing at 120 for 5. Jeetender top-scored with a calm and composed 38 from 40 balls to steer his side home. Though Zunheboto’s bowlers, especially Hino Zhimo (2/19) and Oloka B Rochill (2/33), tried to make a contest out of it, the target was too low to defend.

Sujit Laskar was named Player of the Match for his brilliant bowling performance.

Kohima holds nerve to clinch thrilling 1-wicket win over Dimapur
Kohima pulled off a nail-biting 1-wicket victory over Dimapur in a dramatic match of the 5th Late G. Rio Memorial Men’s U19 Inter-District Cricket Tournament 2025, held at Sovima Cricket Ground.

Batting first after winning the toss, Dimapur struggled to gain momentum and were bundled out for 122 in 32.5 overs. Shyerinlo top-scored with 19 off 33 balls in an otherwise shaky batting performance. Kohima’s bowling attack, led by Solomon Awungshi (3/35 in 9 overs) and Jenithung Ezung (2/25 in 10), kept Dimapur on the back foot throughout.

In reply, Kohima’s chase was anything but smooth. Dimapur’s Medempok Pongen delivered a fiery spell, bagging 5 wickets for 36 runs in his full quota of 10 overs, threatening to turn the game around. However, a vital knock of 26 off 36 balls by Solomon Awungshi helped Kohima stay afloat.

Despite the pressure, Kohima scraped through, reaching the target in 38.5 overs with just one wicket in hand. Solomon Awungshi was rightfully named Player of the Match for his all-round heroics.

MT