Nagaland and Manipur won their respective matches today against Sikkim and Mizoram in the 3rd NECDC Senior Men’s Interstate Friendship Tournament 2025. Nagaland secured a tense 21-run victory over Sikkim at the Nagaland Cricket Stadium, while Manipur triumphed over Mizoram by 202 runs.
The two teams will now face off in the first semifinal on May 13 at Nagaland Cricket Stadium, while Meghalaya will take on Arunachal Pradesh in the second semifinal at Sovima Cricket Ground on the same day. Both matches will begin at 9:00 am.
Imliwati shines in Nagaland’s gritty win
The 3rd NECDC Senior Men’s Interstate Friendship Tournament 2025 witnessed two sharply contrasting contests on Monday in Sovima, as hosts Nagaland eked out a tense 21-run victory over Sikkim, while Manipur steamrolled Mizoram by a mammoth 202 runs.
At the Nagaland Cricket Stadium, it was local hero Imliwati who turned a low-scoring thriller into a memorable win for the hosts. After Nagaland opted to bat first on a tricky surface, they struggled to build momentum against Sikkim’s disciplined bowling, managing just 120 in 39.4 overs. Imliwati’s gritty 27 off 63 balls and Yugi’s dogged 22 from 59 were the only bright spots as Sikkim’s Ankur (3/37) and company kept the pressure on.
Yet, the modest total proved enough. Imliwati returned with the ball to deliver a spell for the ages—4 wickets for just 10 runs in 10 overs—as Sikkim collapsed to 99 all out in 43 overs, despite a fighting 34 from opener Arun Chettri. The Player of the Match award fittingly went to Imliwati for his match-winning all-round display, sealing Nagaland’s second win in the tournament.
Manipur dismantles Mizoram
Meanwhile, at the Sovima Cricket Ground, Manipur dismantled Mizoram in a completely one-sided affair. Batting first, they posted an imposing 290/7 in 40 overs, with Jotin Singh Pheiroijam (68 off 51), Raj Kumar Rex Singh (59 off 24), and Pukhrambam Prafullomani Singh (57) leading the charge. Mizoram’s bowlers had little answer, despite a spirited effort from Naveen Gurung (2/5).
In response, Mizoram crumbled to 88 all out in just 25.1 overs, with only Johan Lalbiakkima (22) showing brief resistance. Mutum Swabhiman (3/27) starred with the ball for Manipur, while Jotin Singh’s explosive batting earned him the Player of the Match award.
