CYCLONE, TRAU to clash in MNCA Luwangpokpa T-20 final
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, July 01 2025: CYCLONE (Thangmeiband) and TRAU (Kwakeithel) triumphed in contrasting but equally dramatic fashion in their semifinal matches of the 5th MNCA Luwangpokpa T-20 Trophy 2024-25, setting the stage for an enthralling final.

CYCLONE delivered a commanding performance to defeat REYS by 41 runs in a match that highlighted their all-round strength at Mojjing Public Ground.

CYCLONE's innings got off to a blistering start thanks to Ningthoujam Tholba Singhs breathtaking 30 off just 10 balls (4 fours, 2 sixes), setting the tone despite losing captain Loktongbam Santosh Meitei for a duck.

The middle order wobbled before Abdul Kasim steadied the ship with a composed 42 (35 balls), his innings laced with 2 fours and 4 towering sixes.

REYS bowlers fought back valiantly, with Dingku G (4/16 in 3.1 overs) and Yungkham Romario Roy (3/24) triggering a collapse that saw CYCLONE lose their last 5 wickets for just 10 runs, restricting them to 122 all out in 17.1 overs.

Defending what appeared to be a below-par total, CYCLONE'S bowlers produced a masterclass.

Kishan Laishram was the star with a sensational five-wicket haul (5/15) in 3 overs including two wickets in consecutive deliveries.

The supporting cast of Md Ageel (2/11) and Reolin Oinam (1/17) maintained relentless pres sure, reducing REYS to 42/7 at one stage.

Only Yungkham Romario Roy (32 off 18 balls) offered meaningful resistance before becoming Laishram's fifth victim as REYS folded for 81 in just 13 overs.

The semifinal at Khangabok Part-III Cherapur produced one of a dramatic finish, with TRAU prevailing over RCA in a Super Over after scores were tied at 111.TRAU's chase revolved entirely around skipper Priyoji Kangabam's magnificent 63 (49 balls, 5 fours, 4 sixes).

Coming in at 10/2, he anchored the innings brilliantly, forming crucial partnerships with Sanjembam Somokanta Khuman (24) before the lower order collapsed under pressure from RCA's Md Danish Khan (2/11) and Zuned (2/18) .

The match went down to the wire, with TRAU needing 2 off the final ball but managing just a single to tie the game.

In the one-over eliminator, Kangabam (10 off 4) and Pukhrambam Pratullomani Singh (5* off 2) smashed 16 runs off Danish Khan.

RCA's reply never got going against Mutum Swabhiman, managing just 8/1 to hand TRAU a memorable victory.

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