CYCLONE beat TRAU by 26 runs to retain MNCA Elite Tourney crown
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, July 24 2022: Defending champions CYCLONE, Thangmeiband beat TRAU, Kwakeithel by 26 runs to retain the title of the MNCA W Prahlada and W Ramananda Elite Tournament 2021-22 organised by the Manipur Cricket Association.

In the ultimate clash staged here at Luwangpokpa Cricket Stadium, CYCLONE racked up a total of 191 runs for 4 in allotted 40 overs after winning the toss and bowled out TRAU for 165 runs in 39.1 overs to seal their fourth title in the 6th edition of the top flight cricket tournament.

Narsingh Yadav starred in the match with a masterful knock of 75 runs off 87 balls laced with 8 boundaries (6 fours and 2 sixes) and claimed the man of the final match accolade which include a cash prize of Rs 5000 and a trophy.

CYCLONE had a good start with Narsingh Yadav and Jenpu Kamei taking on the TRAU bowlers but TRAU earned the breakthrough when Jenpu was run out for 17 in the 1 st delivery of the 18th over as the scoreboard read 57.Longjam Ronald (6) who came in for Jenpu also departed cheaply before Narsingh and Kishan Laishram forged 48 runs for the third wicket partnership.

CYCLONE were 135 for 3, when Narsingh edged Amritakaran to TRAU wicketkeeper Prafullomani in the first ball of the 32 nd over.

Kishan Laishram (26) also fell victim to Amritakaran four deliveries later.

Bikash Singh (20) and Thoudam Akshaykumar (21 not out) then gathered 34 runs for the fourth wicket before Bikash Singh got retired hurt in the 38th over.

Kabrambam Homendro was also unbeaten on 14 off 6 balls with Akshaykumar as TRAU bowlers, saving Amritakaran Singh Yumnam (2/21 in 6 overs), failed to prove their mettle.

In the chase, TRAU, despite Pukhrambam Prafullomani's 41, were left teetering at 72 for 4 in 19.3 overs as Rahul Raj Kumar (1), Priyojit Kangabam (14), Bishworjit Singh Nongmaithem (13) fell cheaply including two to Thoudam Akshaykumar (2/24 in 8 overs).

TRAU slipped further to 79 for 6 after 23 overs as Maisnam Raju who trapped Bishoijit lbw for the second wicket snapped two more wickets- Behul Singh Moibungkhongbam (6-ball duck) and Thounaojam Rishikanta (2), to complete his three wicket haul (3 for 21 in 6.1 overs).

Anand Naorem (51) tried to ease the pressure late on with a half century knock but saw his partners tumble in regular intervals before the chase collapsed at 165 in 39.1 overs as CYCLONE bowlers kept things tight till the end.

Loktongbam Santosh also picked up a wicket in his spell of 8 overs to help CYCLONE seal the tourney title and walked away Rs 2 lakh richer.

As TRAU had to content with runners trophy and a cash reward of Rs 1.5 lakh, its players Priyojit Kangabam who amassed 447 runs and picked 13 wickets in 7 in-nings grabbed the highest run scorer (Rs 10,000) and man of the series (Rs 15,000) awards and trophies.

CYCLONE'S L Kishan Singha and TRAU's Priyojit were adjudged joint highest wicket takers (13 wickets in 7 innings) and split Rs 7,000 each.

Semi-finalists, Blue Hawk-Khurai and PTRC-Patsoi were also feted with Rs 50,000 cash rewards during the closing ceremony of the 12 team tournament.

Comment