Kenedy stars as ESU win inaugural MNCA U-14 boys tourney title
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, August 08 2022: Kenedy enjoyed a four wicket haul to help ESU, Wangkhei beat PTRC, Patsoi by 22 runs and win the title of the 1 st MNCA U-14 Boy's Tournament today here at Luwangpokpa Cricket Stadium.

PTRC won the toss and put ESU to bat first today.

With Ngambarel leading the bowling attack, ESU were bundled out for 123 runs in 25 overs.

However, ESU's N Kenedy (4/29 in 5 overs), Hanjabam Donba (2/16 in 5 overs) and Hanjabam Naoba (2/23 in 5 overs) bowled too well to restrict PTRC to a paltry total of 101 runs for 9 in the chase to ensure their team clinch the top honour.

In ESU's innings, things were tight from the begining with PTRC players disallowing ESU openers - H Donba (11) and M Amitkiyon (12) from making big hits.

PTRC's Salam Richie found the breakthrough by trapping H Donba lbw in the 8th over and bowled out M Amitkiyon in the 2nd delivery of the 10th over to reduce ESU to 28 for 2 .

Ngambarel Naoshekpam then undone Md Atif Shah for 4-ball duck and bowled out Ahongshangbam Jenash Meitei for 7 to leave ESU teetering at 40 for 4 in 12.1 overs.

Courtesy 12 extras, ESU managed to reach the 50 run mark in 14 overs with Hanjabam Naoba Sharma (17) and N Kenedy (14) showing some nerve before both got run out.

Ngambarel Naoshekpam then completed his three wicket haul by removing Wayengbam Winson for the seventh wicket and Bishomcha Khundrakpam (17) who tried to anchor got caught behind wicket by Stoneson off Henba Paonam delivery when the scoreboard read 118 after 24 overs.

Thokchom Simesh fell victim of a miscommunication and got run out trying to put Soibam Venus (10) on strike in the 1st delivery of the last over before Soibam Venus also had the same fate in the last ball.

In the chase, PTRC had a smoother start with Salam Richie (20 off 38 balls; 4 fours) and Robinson Sougaijam (17 off 37 balls; 2 fours) providing initial flourish but Bishomcha Khundrakpam managed to break the partnership as soon as the duo posted 50 run mark in the 11th over.

Star of the day N Kenedy then removed Robinson Sougaijam and Ngambarel Naoshekpam (9) to reduce PTRC to 74 for 4 in 18 overs.

Stoneson blasted off 2 sixes on the way to his 15 but holed out to Bishomcha Khundrakpam off Hanjabam Naoba's second delivery in the 19th over.

N Kenedy then sent Laitonjam Jackson (6) and Laitonjam James (1) packing cheaply to pile more misery on PTRC and set up the collapse.

Hanjabam Naoba completed his two wicket haul removing Bush Sagolshem on golden duck in the 21st over and Hanjabam Donba scalped two wickets-Khundrakpam Abungo (2) and Henba Paonam (0) in the 3rd and the 4th delivery of the 22nd over to leave further dent and leave PTRC struggling at 97 for 9.The result could have been otherwise if Benson Yumnam (2) and Bedabiyas (0) had held their nerves but the duo could muster only 4 runs off 20 last deliveries and eventually ESU pocketed the winners prize of Rs 25,000 and a trophy.

N Kenedy was also adjudged man of the final match and feted with a cash prize of Rs 1000 and a trophy.

PTRC were also feted with a cash prize of Rs 15,000 and a trophy.

Besides, individual prize winners - highest wicket taker - Bishomcha Khundrakpam of ESU (17 wickets in 6 innings); highest run scorer - Salam Richie of PTRC (394 runs and 7 wickets in 7 innings) emerging player- Robinson Sougaijam of PTRC were also feted with a cash prize of Rs 1,500 and trophies.

Salam Richie also bagged man of the series accolade consisting of Rs 2,500 and a trophy while MPA, Thounaojam recieved fairplay team award- Rs 4,000 and a trophy.

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