MNCA Men's U-23: ESU outclass AL-MEEN by 7 wkts, CRAU beat YUCC
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, April 04 2025: ESU cruised to a 7-wicket victory against AL-AMEEN in their league match of the 2nd MNCA Men's U-23 Haobam Biramangol Singh Memorial Trophy at Khudelband Lampak, Imphal, on Friday.

ESU's bowlers dismantled AL-AMEEN's batting lineup before their top order comfortably chased down the target.

AL-AMEEN, electing to bat first, struggled from the outset against a disciplined ESU bowling attack.

Opener Md Sharoz Khan (53 off 58 balls) played a lone hand, anchoring the innings with a well-constructed half-century, including six boundaries and a six.

However, lack of support from the middle order saw AL-AMEEN crumble to 137 all out in just 33.4 overs.

Mohammed Fa-rooque (30 off 54) provided brief resistance, but once he fell, wickets tumbled at regular intervals.

Hanjabam Naoba Sharma (6.4-1-23-4) was the chief destroyer, ripping through the lower order.

He was ably supported by Soibam Sayonba Singh (8-0-46-3) and Shohel Akter (7-0-22-2), who kept the pressure on with tight lines.

In reply, ESU made light work of the target, reaching 138/3 in just 26.4 overs.

Openers Hanjabam Donba Sharma (36 off 66) and Hanjabam Naoba Sharma (43 off 71) laid a solid foundation with an 84-run partnership after the early loss of Soibam Sayonba Singh (2).AL-AMEEN's bowlers had little to celebrate, though Shohei Akter (7-0-22-2) impressed again, removing both set batsmen.

However, Soibam Venus Singh (20* off 20) and captain Sagolshem Ronal Meitei (2*) ensured there were no late hiccups, guiding ESU home with ease.

In another action, CRAU defeated YUCC by 33 runs in their meeting at Model Hr Secondary & Oriental College Ground.

After winning the toss and electing to bat, CRAU got off to a shaky start, losing early wickets.

However, the innings was completely transformed by a scintillating knock from Ph Jodash, who bludgeoned 116 runs off just 58 balls.

His innings, laced with 11 fours and 8 sixes, came at a breathtaking strike rate of 200.00 .

Despite a middle-order collapse, Jo-dash's heroics ensured CRAU had enough runs to defend.

Sanatomba K (24), Thongam Joychandra (15) and I Nikhil (14) provided crucial support, helping their side cross the 200-mark.In response, YUCC's chase was anchored by Ningthoujam Rohit Singh, who top-scored with a patient 50 off 81 balls.

However, the lack of substantial partnerships and tight bowling from CRAU's attack kept the pressure on.

Bm Sabakhan was the pick of the bowlers, claiming 4 wickets for just 25 runs, while Khumanthem Prakash Singh (4/34) provided crucial breakthroughs in the middle overs.

YUCC were eventually bowled out for 174 in 38.4 overs, falling well short of the target.

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