MODEL, CRAU script wins in MNCA Elite Tournament
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, March 03 2025: MODEL and CRAU prevailed as the 9th MNCA Elite Tournament 2024 25 resumed on Monday.

MODEL defeated PTCC by 27 runs, defending a modest total of 138 with disciplined bowling at Mojijng Public Ground.

PTCC captain Andy Mandingham won the toss and elected to field, aiming to exploit morning conditions.

However, MODEL'S bowlers turned the tables spectacularly in the second innings.

MODEL's batting effort was anchored by a resilient 41 off 43 balls from Maisnam Tejkumar Singh, who struck five boundaries.

Contributions from Waikhom Priyokumar Singh (14 off 13) and Veteshor Sharma (16 off 14) provided brief momentum, but PTCC's bowlers kept striking regularly.

Sadananda Okram starred with 3/15, while Sohail Akram (2/22) and Naorem Victor Meitei (2/37) chipped in.

MODEL's innings crumbled from 67/4 to 138 all out, with PTCC's fielders claiming three catches behind the stumps.

In reply, PTCC faltered early as Bisal Ningombam (4/16) ripped through the top order, dismissing opener G Gomi Sharma (5 off 7) and skipper Andy Mandingham (25 off 31).Despite a fighting 19 from Naorem Victor Meitei and Abit Hijam's 17, PTCC collapsed from 54/4 to 111 all out.

Suson Yanglem Singh (1/18) and Dibak Naorem (1/25) applied further pressure, with MODEL'S fielders effecting two sharp run-outs.

In the other match, CRAU registered 21-run win over TRAU at Lairenjam Public Ground.

Winning the toss and opting to bat first, CRAU posted a competitive 171/5 in their 25 overs, anchored by stellar performances from their top order.

Opener Lamabam Jotin Singh set the tone with a fluent 66 off 54 balls (7 fours, 2 sixes), forming a crucial 98-run partnership with Dennis Khangenbam (28 off 50) .

The innings gained late momentum thanks to Ayekpam Rakesh Singh's explosive 47* off just 25 deliveries, including 2 fours and 4 sixes at a strike rate of 188.TRAU's bowlers struggled to contain the onslaught, with Somorjit Salam (2/27) and Sanjembam Somokanta Khuman (1/33) being the pick of the attack.

Chasing 172, TRAU's innings faltered early as CRAU's bowlers struck repeatedly.

Skipper Priyojit Kangabam (23 off 27) and Sanjembam Somokanta Khuman (46 off 50) fought hard, but tight spells from Bm Sabakhan (3/34), Lamabam Jotin Singh (2/22) and Thongam Joychandra (2/25) kept TRAU in check.

A late cameo by Thangjam Rishi Singh (18 off 19) offered hope, but TRAU finished at 150/9, falling 21 runs short.

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