CHAMP win; MODEL, PTRC play out tie
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, February 22 2025: In a gripping day of cricket at the 9th MNCA Elite Tournament 2024-25, CHAMP edged past CRAU by two wickets, while MODEL and PTRC delivered a heart-stopping tie in their league clash on Saturday.

Being asked to field first, CHAMP delivered a clinical bowling performance to dismiss CRAU for 173 in 38.3 overs.

The attack was spearheaded by Nawaz (3 wickets), while Keisham Kennedy, Md Sultan Karim, and Mohd Ahsanul Kabir shared two scalps apiece.

Md Babu chipped in with a wicket to round off a disciplined effort.

CRAU's innings saw resistance from Lamabam Jotin, who anchored the innings with a gritty 55, supported by Khumanthem Prakash (31) and Bm Sabakhan (12*) .

However, regular wickets stifled their momentum, setting up a competitive but chaseable target.

In response, CHAMP navigated tense moments to seal victory at 174/8 in 39.4 overs, surviving a fiery spell from CRAU's Lamabam Ajay, who claimed a sensational 5-wick-et haul.

Leikhram Johny anchored the innings with 43, while Mohd Ahsanul Kabir remained unbeaten on 40.Contributions from Yumnam Karnajit (30), Sunder Yumnam (16), Keisham Kennedy (16), and Nongthombam Gulson (5') ensured CHAMP's victory at Lairenjam Public Ground.

Meanwhile, PTRC and MODEL shared the spoils in a dramatic tie at Moijing Public Ground, Thoubal.

Both teams were bowled out for 153 runs in a contest that showcased grit, collapses, and stellar individual performances.

MODEL elected to field after winning the toss, but PTRC's batters started aggressively.

Opener Khangembam Santosh Singh (26 off 29) and Loitongbam Shitaljit Singh (39 off 73) laid a steady foundation.

Captain Raj Kumar Rex then ignited the innings with a blistering 32 off 23 balls, including six boundaries.

However, MODEL'S skipper Langlonyamba M (4/25 in 7.1 overs) and Waikhom Priyokumar Singh (3/53) triggered a collapse, restricting PTRC to 153 in 32.1 overs.

In reply, MODEL'S top order faltered early, crumbling to 40/4.Opener Thoudam Deepak Singh fell for a duck, while Kisan Singh Wahengbam (27) and Langlonyamba Singh M (28) provided brief resistance.

The innings was resurrected by Bijenkumar Nongmaithem, whose patient 45 off 58 balls (4 fours, 1 six) anchored the chase.

However, PTRC's bowlers struck back fiercely: captain Raj Kumar Rex (3/19) and Deepak (2/18) kept the pressure on.

Needing 2 runs off the final ball with last man Waikhom Priyokumar Singh (1*) at the crease, Bijenkumar was run out attempting a match-winning single, ending MODEL'S innings at 153 in 40 overs.

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