RCA, YUCC, AKSDO & PCC reach MNCA Men's U-23 Trophy semis
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, April 10 2025:
RCA, YUCC, AKSDO and PCC all advanced to the semifinals of the 2nd MNCA Men's U-23 Haobam Biramangol Singh Memorial Trophy 2024-25, following their quarterfinal triumphs on Thursday.
RCA handed out a 228-run thrashing to CYCLONE in a one-side quarterfinal at Public Ground, Khangabok Part-III Cherapur, Thoubal.
Electing to bat first, RCA's openers laid a solid foundation before captain Syed Hussain took centre stage with a breathtaking innings.
Syed's unbeaten 127 came off just 95 deliveries, featuring eight crisp boundaries and five towering sixes, as he orchestrated the innings with perfect tempo.
His partnership with Zuned, who smashed 78 from a mere 48 balls, was particularly devastating, the pair adding 123 runs in just 13.2 overs of carnage.
Zuned's innings, laced with nine fours and three sixes, left the CYCLONE bowlers searching for answers, while Md Imran Khan's composed 29 provided stability before his unfortunate retirement due to injury.
The innings closed at an imposing 318/3, setting up what would prove to be an insurmountable challenge.
Defending their massive total, RCA's bowlers came out with fire in their bellies.
Zamir Khan was the chief destroyer, his incisive seam bowling claiming four wickets for just 24 runs in 7.5 overs.
His ability to swing the ball both ways proved too much for CYCLONE's batters, who lost three of their top order to run-outs in a display of poor judgment and sharp fielding.
Aziz Mirza provided excellent support, conceding just 21 runs in his six overs while picking up a crucial wicket.
Only Thomsan Moirangthem showed any resistance for CYCLONE with a gritty, unbeaten 41, but with wickets tumbling regularly at the other end, his effort was in vain as the innings folded for a paltry 90 in just 23.5 overs.
YUCC secured their semifinal berth with a convincing 55-run win over YWC at Lairenjam Public Ground.
YUCC won the toss and opted to bat, posting a total of 150 all out in 34 overs.
They faced early setbacks, losing wickets at regular intervals.
However, a composed knock of 40 runs off 44 deliveries by skipper Ningthoujam Sanjit Singh steadied the innings.
His innings, laced with six boundaries and a six, provided much-needed momentum.
He received valuable support from Heishnam Manikanta (32 off 36) and Yumnam Chingkhei Ngamba (20 off 50), who helped push the total to 150 before the side was bowled out in the 34th over.
YWC's bowlers kept the pressure on, with Maibam Subash Singh (3/20) and Sorokhaibam Dalilsh Singh (2/23) leading the attack.
However, erratic extras (15 wides, 2 noballs) proved costly, giving YUCC crucial additional runs.
Chasing 151 for victory, YWC's innings never gained traction as YUCC's bowlers struck at regular intervals.
Rahulkumar Ningthoujam was the chief destroyer, claiming 3 wickets for just 11 runs in 4.4 overs, including a miserly economy of 2.36.Devraj Nongthombam (3/20) and Kadanjit Moirangthem (3/33) also played pivotal roles in dismantling the opposition.
YWC's captain, Heishnam Manikanta, waged a lone battle with a well-made 32 off 36 balls, but lack of partnerships saw the team crumble to 95 all out in 29.4 overs.
The dismissal of Manikanta, stumped off Kadanjit Moirangthem's bowling at 86/6, effectively ended YWC's hopes of a comeback.
From there, the tail folded quickly, with Rahulkumar Ningthoujam wrapping up the innings in style.
AKSDO outplayed ESU by 42 runs for their place in the semifinals.
AKSDO chose to bat first and posted a total of 151/9, which they defended with clinical precision.
They faced early setbacks as ESU's bowlers struck at regular intervals.
Winchelly Laishram (8) and Akash Laishram (10) fell cheaply, but Chingamba Elangbam steadied the innings with a patient 54 off 88 balls, anchoring the middle order.
His partnerships with Sanayai Ningthoujam (30 off 32, including a six) and Rohit Laishram (13 off 13) propelled AKSDO to a decent 151/9 in their allotted 40 overs.
SU's bowling effort was led by Hanjabam Donba Sharma (2/28) and Bishomcha Khundrakpam (1/23), who maintained tight lines, but wayward spells from others�particu-larly Thokchom Simesh (1/41) and Soibam Sayonba Singh (1/32) - allowed AKSDO to capitalise in the middle overs.
In reply, ESU's chase faltered from the outset.
AKSDO's bowlers, spearheaded by the fiery San-ayai Ningthoujam (5/17 in 8 overs), dismantled the top order.
Winchelly Laishram (2/14) provided crucial support, while ESU's captain Sagolshem Ronal Meitei (26) fought a lone battle.
The team collapsed to 109 all out, with extras (24) ironically being the second-highest contributor.
Meanwhile, PCC beat KASC by 16 runs to reach the last four.
PCC won the toss and opted to bat first, posting a competitive total of 193 all out in 36.1 overs.
Takhelmayum Vikash was the standout batsman with a blistering 31 off just 18 balls, including 2 fours and 3 sixes.
Captain Bobby Meitei Khangembam contributed a steady 29, while Rahis Khan anchored the innings with 35 runs.
For KASC, Bm Irfan and Leishangkhong Maqubul Fida Ali were the pick of the bowlers, taking 2 wickets each.
In response, KASC fought valiantly but fell short, finishing at 177/8 in their 40 overs.
Muhammad Ali Karim topscored with a patient 42 off 63 deliveries, supported by Md Abdulgani (28) and Bm Afsar (22*) .
PCC's Boocker Kangujam delivered a match-winning spell, claiming 3 wickets for 37 runs, while Rojer Laishram and Mairembam Lucky Meitei chipped in with crucial breakthroughs.
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