G Rio Memorial: Dimapur clinch U19 title with thrilling 1-wicket win over Kohima

In a dramatic and closely contested final, Dimapur emerged victorious over Kohima by a solitary wicket to win the 5th Late G. Rio Memorial Men’s U19 Inter-District Cricket Tournament 2025. The final, played at the Nagaland Cricket Stadium, was a nail-biting affair that kept spectators on the edge of their seats till the very end.

Opting to bat first after winning the toss, Kohima managed 134 runs in 41.5 overs. Vizoletuo Zhale played a confident knock of 32 off 33 balls, while Thupuluzo Lohe contributed a patient 26 off 57 balls to steady the innings. Dimapur’s bowlers delivered a disciplined performance, with Yashimeren Jamir leading the attack by picking up 3 wickets for 27 runs in his full quota of 10 overs.

Medempok Pongen and Raja Kumar also played crucial roles, bagging two wickets apiece to halt Kohima’s progress.

Dimapur’s chase was anything but straightforward. Despite early setbacks and losing wickets at regular intervals, Samir Ali stood tall amid the chaos. His brilliant 60 off 69 balls proved to be the difference between the two sides as he guided his team to the target with just one wicket in hand, securing the win in 33.4 overs.

Kohima’s Vizoletuo Zhale nearly turned hero again, this time with the ball, snaring 4 wickets for just 24 runs in 7 overs in a valiant attempt to defend the modest total.

Samir Ali was named Player of the Match for his match-winning knock.

Player of the Tournament: Samir Ali, Dimapur

Best Bowler: Sujit Kumar, Niuland

Best Batsman: Nikato Zhimo, Zunheboto

Best Wicket Keeper: Renben Kithan, Wokha

MT