AKSDO, ESU book MNCA U-23 Trophy quarterfinal spots
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, April 08 2025: AKSDO and ESU ensured their places in the quarterfinals of the 2nd MNCA U-23 Trophy with decisive wins over their respective opponents on Tuesday.

AKSDO delivered a dominant all-round performance, crushing THAU by a massive 165 runs to secure second place in Group D and book their spot in the quarterfinals with 8 points.

PCC finished atop the group standings.

Winning the toss, THAU elected to field, hoping to exploit early conditions.

However, AKSDO's batsmen had other plans.

Openers Laishram Samson Meetei (26 off 24 balls) and Wincheily Laishram (72 off 72 balls) set the tone with a solid 60-run partnership.

Wincheily, the star of the innings, played a composed knock, anchoring the innings with nine boundaries.

Despite a brief stumble in the middle overs - losing three quick wickets - Borish Khudrakpam (49 off 73 balls) steadied the ship with a gritty innings, while Sanayai Ningthoujam (24 off 13 balls) provided a late flourish with two towering sixes.

AKSDO finished at a formidable 237/8, thanks to some wayward bowling from THAU, who conceded 24 extras.

THAU's bowlers had moments of brilliance, particularly Pukhrambam Hilbert Singh (3/33) and Kh Romesh Singh (2/25), but their efforts were undermined by loose deliveries and fielding lapses.

Chasing 238, THAU's innings never gained momentum.

AKSDO's bowlers, led by Sanayai Ningthoujam (3/7 in 4.3 overs), ripped through the top order.

Wincheily Laishram (2/9) continued his stellar day, removing key batsmen, while Saikhom Dinesh (2/16) and Akash Laishram (2/24) ensured no resistance was mounted.

THAU's batting lineup crumbled to 72 all out in just 24.3 overs, with only Konthoujam Rohan Meetei (17) and Pukhrambam Hilbert Singh (14) showing brief resistance.

The lack of partnerships and disciplined bowling from AKSDO meant THAU were never in the contest.

ESU, meanwhile, outclassed CHAMP Cricket Club by 34 runs to clinch the top spot in Group B.They edged out group runners-up KASC on net run rate after both teams finished level on 10 points.

Electing to the bat first, ESU faced early setbacks.

Openers Hanjabam Donba Sharma (15 off 58) and Soibam Sayonba Singh (10 off 9) struggled against CHAMP's disciplined bowling attack.

The middle order faltered, with only Sagolshem Ronal Meitei (19 off 43) and Bishomcha Khundrakpam (19 off 18) offering brief resistance.

Extras (35 runs) played a surprising role in propping up ESU's total, as wayward bowling from CHAMP, including 24 wides, kept the scoreboard ticking.

CHAMP's bowlers, spearheaded by Ritz Potshangbam (2/10 in 8 overs) and Md Babu (3/23), kept ESU in check.

However, a late flurry from Bishomcha Khundrakpam and Nawaz's two crucial wickets ensured ESU posted a defendable 142 all out in 39.5 overs.

CHAMP's chase got off to a disastrous start, losing Afjal Khan for a golden duck to Bishomcha Khundrakpam.

Captain Samir (24 off 42) and Nawaz (61 off 52) attempted to steady the innings, but once Samir fell to Hanjabam Donba Sharma, the collapse began in earnest.

Nawaz's aggressive knock, featuring nine boundaries and a six, was the lone highlight, but he lacked support as wickets tumbled at the other end.

ESU's bowling was relentless, with Hanjabam Donba Sharma delivering a match-winning spell of 6/12 in 7 overs, including three wickets in a single over.

His precision and swing left CHAMP reeling, while Hanjabam Naoba Sharma (2/22) provided able support.

CHAMP's innings folded for just 108 in 28 overs, handing ESU a comprehensive victory.

The quarterfinals are set for April 10, 2025, with an exciting last-eight lineup: RCA vs CYCLONE, YWC vs YUCC, ESU vs AKSDO, and PCC vs KASC .

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