ESU edge AKSDO by 10 runs to book MNCA Men's U-19 Trophy semis spot
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, May 15 2025: In a match that ebbed and flowed until the final delivery, ESU defeated AKSDO by 10 runs in the quarterfinal of the 3rd MNCA Men's U-19 One Day Trophy at Lairenjam Public Ground on Thursday.

ESU captain Hanjabam Donba Sharma won the toss and elected to bat first, a decision that proved crucial in the end.

Their innings was a tale of resilience after early setbacks, as they posted 194/8 in 40 overs.

The top order struggled against AKSDO's disciplined bowling, with Bidyananda Ningthoujam (3/36) striking early to reduce ESU to 36/4 inside nine overs.

However, a crucial 63-run partnership between Akojjam Sangba Singh (39 off 64) and Hanjabam Naoba Sharma (51 off 60) steadied the ship.

Naoba Sharma's composed half-century, laced with six fours and a six, was the backbone of the innings.

Late fireworks from Bishomcha Khundrakpam (20* off 11) pushed ESU towards a competitive total.

In reply, AKSDO started cautiously but lost opener Laishram Samson Meetei (9) early.

Captain Bishorjit Mangang (19) and Borish Khu-drakpam (51 off 85) rebuilt the innings, but regular wickets kept ESU in control.

The turning point came when Sanayai Ningthoujam (29 off 27) threatened to take the game away with two towering sixes, only to fall to Hanjabam Naoba Sharma (3/31), who delivered a match-defining spell.

From 142/5, AKSDO collapsed to 160/8, with ESU's bowlers maintaining tight lines under pressure.

A late cameo from Punshiba Akojjam (7*) wasn't enough as AKSDO finished at 184/9, falling agonisingly short.

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