PTRC pip CYCLONE, clinch 9th MNCA Elite Tournament crown
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, March 23 2025:
In a match that will be remembered for its dramatic twists and turns, PTRC (Patsoi Part IV) clinched a narrow 2-run victory over CYCLONE (Thangmeiband) to win the 9th MNCA W Prahlada & W Ramananda Elite Tournament 2024-25 on Sunday at Model Hr Secondary & Oriental College Ground.
PTRC won the toss and elected to bat first, setting a target of 144 runs in 31.3 overs.
Despite losing early wickets, PTRC managed to post a competitive total, thanks to a resilient half-century by Jotin Singh Pheiroijam and a blistering knock by Chingakham Bidash Meitei.
CYCLONE, in their chase, fought valiantly but fell just short, finishing at 142 all out in 36 overs.
The match was a roller-coaster ride, with both teams having their moments of dominance, but it was PTRC who held their nerve in the crucial final moments to secure the win.
PTRC's innings got off to a rocky start, losing their first two wickets with just 10 runs on the board.
Khangembam Santosh and Loitongbam Shitaljit were dismissed early, putting pressure on the middle order.
However, Jotin Singh Pheiroijam stepped up with a composed 54 off 71 balls, anchoring the innings and providing much-needed stability.
Chingakham Bidash Meitei played a crucial cameo, scoring a rapid 45 off 45 balls, including 2 fours and 5 sixes.
His aggressive batting helped PTRC recover from a precarious position and post a respectable total.
Despite the lower order collapsing quickly, PTRC managed to reach 144, thanks to some valuable contributions from the tailenders.
CYCLONE's bowlers, led by Md Aqeel, were impressive.
Aqeel's 5-wicket haul for just 31 runs in 8 overs was instrumental in restricting PTRC.
Reolin Qinam also chipped in with 3 wickets, ensuring that PTRC didn't run away with the game.
CYCLONE's chase began on a disastrous note, losing their captain Loktongbam Santosh Meitei for a duck in the very first over.
However, Ningthoujam Thoiba Singh and Robinson Sougajjam tried to steady the ship with a 34-run partnership.
Thoiba Singh's 28 off 46 balls was a crucial knock, but wickets kept falling at regular intervals, putting CYCLONE under pressure.
Nongthombam Denin played a vital role in the middle order, scoring 34 off 49 balls, and Kishan Laishram contributed with a gritty 28 off 39 balls.
However, the PTRC bowlers, led by Raj Kumar Rex Singh, kept the pressure on.
Rex's 4-wicket haul for 33 runs in 8 overs was pivotal in breaking CYCLONE's momentum.
The match reached its climax in the final over, with CYCLONE needing just 3 runs to win.
However, PTRC's bowlers held their nerve, and CYCLONE's last wicket fell with the score at 142, handing PTRC a thrilling 2-run victory.
The tension was palpable as the final wicket was taken, and PTRC players erupted in celebration, knowing they had secured a hard-fought win.
The PTRC bowlers delivered a collective effort, with Rex taking 4 wickets for 33 runs, Jotin Pheiroijam claiming 2 wickets for 28 runs, Chinga-kham Bidash Meitei picking up 2 wickets for 23 runs, and Bishworjit Konthoujam chipping in with 1 wicket for 35 runs.
Their disciplined bowling ensured that CYCLONE fell just short of the target.
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