1st MNCA Super Plate Tournament : KCC script massive 324 run victory against THAU to cruise into semi-finals
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, April 08 2022: KCC, Kongba Bazar notched up a surprisingly huge 324 run victory against THAU, Thangmeiband in the last Group B league match of 1st MNCA Super Plate Tournament to climb to second place in the league standings and qualify for the semi-finals.

The much needed big win for the Kongba team came on the back of century knocks from Keisham Mranjit and Nameirakpam Arbin Singh today at Langthabal Public Ground.

The win ensured the team a better Net Run Rate than KSDO, Kiyamgei who had also 10 points from 5 wins in 7 matches and were in contention for the semi-final berth.

1st MNCA Super Plate Tournament

KCC won the toss and batted cautiously to post a big tally of 367 runs for 5 before restricting the 9-man Thangmeiband team to 43 for 8 in 21.5 overs.

Openers Keisham Mranojit and Rohen Singh gave the initial flourish, scoring big whenever possible but THAU's Nicholas P managed to break the partnership by bowling out Rohen on 22 to make it 58-1 after 8.3 overs.

Nongmaithem Dijaraj (15) was trapped lbw by Chittaranjan Ngangom for the second wicket in the 5th delivery of the 14th over as Mranojit held on to keep the scoreboard ticking.

Kongbrailatpam Sanjit Singh (27), who was gradually making his impact with Mranojit, was bowled out by Bigyananda for the third wicket to reduce KCC to 160-3 after 22.3 overs.

Keisham Mranojit however went on to stay and blazed off a 97-ball 115 after finding his partner in Nameirakpam Arbin Singh before he was trapped lbw by Huidrom Sanjit Singh in the 5th delivery of the 32nd over as the scoreboard read 249 .

Arbin Singh then carried forward the onslaught and struck 18 fours on the way to his unbeaten 118 off 52 balls.

Hijam Boba who made a brief appearance added 14 runs before being bowled out by Krishnachandra and Thokchom Arbin and Loktongbam Ozzy (20 not out) saw out the innings with ease.

THAU, being understrength, wrapped up the innings for a paltry 43/8 within 21.5 overs as Kongbrailatpam Sanjit removed a chunk of 4 wickets without spilling a run in 3.5 overs he bowled.

Chitaranjan Meitei was the first victim as he was run out on duck before Sanjit went out on 8 to Loktongbam Ozzy.

Even as Shagolshem Beconboss (15) and Shagolshem Santoshkumar (12) tried to steady the chase, Sanjit Sharma had his way to remove both and stem the collapse.

Sanjit went on to sweep the tailenders to finish with the best bowling figures of 4/0 in 3.5 overs as Singthoi Nandeibam managed two for 16 runs in 6 overs.

Nameirakpam Arbin who shone with the bat was eventually named man of the match.

Group A leaders, YWC, Langthabal will play Group B runners up, MPSC in the first semi-final match on April 10 at Oriental College Ground before Group B leaders, RULE-Malom take on Group A runners up, KCC-Kongba in the second semi-final match on April 15 at the same venue.