CYCLONE, PTRC continue neck-and-neck race for top spot
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, March 14 2023:
CYCLONE and PTRC continued their neck-and-neck race at the top of MNCA Elite Tournament table after both teams recorded their seventh straight win on Tuesday.
CYCLONE beat Al-Ameen by 49 runs at Oriental College to stay top on net run rate from PTRC with the both sides securing 14 points from their seven matches.
Opting to bat, CYCLONE set up 224/8 in their 40 overs with the help of Kishan Laishram (51), Maisnam Raju (39 not out), Jenpu Kamei (30), Longjam Ronald (27), Rohit Moirangthem (22) and Kabrambam Modendro (13).The Thangbeiband innings saw four of their batsmen fall to Mustaque Mohammed and two each to Akram Khan and Md Karim.
In reply, Md Al Bashid, who batted at 3, scored 87 off 92 balls but his fighting effort went in vain as Al-Ameen came out short in their chase after being bowled out for 175 in 38.4 overs.
Md Safwam (24) and Md Raeesh Khan (11) were other run-getters in double digits.
Kishan Laishram exhibited his all-round prowess claiming four scalps that played a pivotal role in his team's successful defence of their total.
Also, Bikash Singh and Longjam Ronald impressed with two wickets each while Kabrambam Homendro and Aditya Das chipped in with one apiece.
Kishan Laishram (51 runs & 4 wickets) earned the man of the match accolade for his all-round performance.
Elsewhere, PTRC notched up a 47-run victory against Blue Hawk.
Ngariyanbam Johnson smashed 100 off 101 balls to help PTRC post 279/7 after electing to bat first.
Jotin Pheiroijam (66), Ngariyanbam Johnson (58) and Chingakham Bidash (29) were other key contributors to PTRC's total.
In their response, Blue Hawk put up a good fight but failed to achieve the target after being stopped in the 37th over for 232 .
Mintu Chandra led their run chase with a masterful 131 while Mutum Sudhir (23), Wakabam Samson (16) and Nongthombam Ajit (16) contributed decent scores, but their efforts were not enough.
Rajkumar Rex picked up three wickets, Deepak and Chingakham Bidash took two each, and Khaidem Joyraj got one to propel PTRC to their seventh win on the trot.
Ngariyanbam Johnson (100 off 101 balls) earned the match of the match trophy.