Kohima and Dimapur have stormed into the final of the 5th Late G. Rio Memorial Men’s U-19 Inter-District Cricket Tournament 2025 after hard-fought victories in their respective semi-finals held in Chümoukedima. While Kohima edged past Wokha with a gritty 3-wicket win, Dimapur outclassed Niuland by six wickets in a dominant display.
M Khairul Jamal Majumdar, Member of the Apex Council, BCCI, will grace the final as a special guest on April 21 at Nagaland Cricket Stadium, Chümoukedima.
Kohima enters final with 3-wicket win over Wokha
Kohima marched into the final after a gritty 3-wicket victory over Wokha in the semi-final clash played at the Nagaland Cricket Stadium, Chümoukedima.
Put in to bat, Wokha struggled to stitch together meaningful partnerships and were bundled out for a modest 106 in 30.1 overs. Yantsothung S Humtsoe offered a brief resistance with a run-a-ball 28, but the rest of the batting lineup failed to capitalise. Kohima’s bowlers remained relentless, with Solomon Awungshi leading the attack with figures of 3 for 19 in 8 overs. Vizoletuo Zhale complemented him well, picking up 3 for 21 in 6.1 overs to clean up the tail.
Chasing a modest total, Kohima’s innings faced early turbulence as Wokha’s bowlers, led by Krishna Kumar’s impressive 3 for 24, kept the pressure on. However, Seyievizo Zaputou stood firm, guiding his side with a composed unbeaten knock of 32 off 56 balls. Kohima reached the target in 22 overs, securing a hard-earned spot in the final.
Solomon Awungshi was named Player of the Match for his match-defining spell.
Dimapur cruises into final with commanding win over Niuland
Dimapur sealed their place in the final with a clinical 6-wicket win over Niuland in the second semi-final played at Sovima Cricket Ground, Chümoukedima.
Niuland, put in to bat first, struggled to find rhythm against Dimapur’s tight bowling attack and were bowled out for 112 in 41.3 overs. Jeetender showed resilience with a patient 32 off 85 deliveries, but lacked support from the rest of the batting order as wickets tumbled at regular intervals. Dimapur’s bowlers remained in control throughout the innings. Samir Ali, continuing his impressive form, took 4 wickets for just 14 runs in 7.3 overs, while Medempok Pongen was equally lethal, returning with economical figures of 3 for 15 in 9 overs.
In pursuit of a modest target, Dimapur paced their chase sensibly. Shyerinlo held the innings together with a composed 32 off 68 balls, ensuring there were no major hiccups as his side reached 114 for 4 in 35.4 overs. Despite Niuland’s efforts to apply pressure with the ball, the total was not enough to trouble the Dimapur lineup.
Medempok Pongen was named the Player of the Match for his crucial role in containing Niuland’s batting and setting up Dimapur’s path to the final.