RCA lift MNCA U-23 men's trophy with 6-wicket win over PCC
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, April 15 2025: RCA (Lilong) were crowned champions of the 2nd MNCA Men's U-23 Haobam Biramangol Singh Memorial Trophy, defeating PCC (Mayai Koibi) by six wickets in a one-sided final at Public Ground, Khangabok, on Tuesday.

Winning the toss, PCC elected to bat first on a surface that promised good carry early on.

However, this decision quickly backfired as RCA's new-ball attack produced a masterclass in disciplined bowling.

The dangerous opening pair of Ziad Khan (2 off 17) and Lucky Thokchom (golden duck) fell cheaply to the relentless Aziz Mirza (3/14) and Iliyas respectively, setting the tone for what would become a procession of wickets.

Only Max Warokpam Meitei (39 off 64) showed the temperament and technique to withstand RCA's bowling onslaught, crafting a patient innings that included four boundaries and a six.

His 106-minute vigil at the crease was the lone bright spot in an otherwise dismal batting display.

Boocker Kangujam's late cameo (26 off 29, including 1 four and 2 sixes) provided brief entertainment, but the damage had already been done.

PCC's innings folded for a paltry 115 in just 34.3 overs, with extras (16) ironically being the third-highest contributor to their total.

The bowling figures tell the story of RCA's dominance.

Aziz Mirza's miserly spell of 8-1-14-3 was complemented perfectly by Naesh Hussain's 8-2-25-3, while Iliyas (2/19) and Takhelmayum Vikash (2/14) provided valuable support.

The bowlers maintained an impressive economy rate throughout, never allowing PCC's batsmen to settle or build partnerships.

Chasing a modest target of 116, RCA approached their innings with the perfect blend of caution and aggression.

Openers Syed Sami ul (22 off 49) and Md Alfash (51 off 49) laid the foundation with a 73-run partnership that effectively sealed the match.

Alfash, in particular, was in sublime touch, his innings laced with nine crisp boundaries and a towering six, showcasing a wide array of strokes around the wicket.

Despite losing three quick wickets after Alfash's dismissal, the result was never in doubt.

Aziz Mirza (20* off 14) and Md Anush (14* off 12) finished the job in style, reaching the target in just 21.4 overs with six wickets in hand.

Takhelmayum Vikash (2/14) was the pick of PCC's bowlers, but the lack of scoreboard pressure meant his efforts were in vain.

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