Shillong, Apr 25: A strong performance in the field saw Royal CC defeat Meghalaya Police to win the Shillong Cricket Association’s First Division final here yesterday.
MLP reached the final after beating Sunrise CC on 21st April. Royal were then to face Nongkseh in the second semi the next day but there has been no intimation from the SCA on that match’s result.
Nevertheless, today the police won the toss and chose to bat first but were restricted to a sub-par 101 all out in 23.5 overs. Wallamjohn Lyngdoh Kynshi was the top scorer with 27, while man-of-the-match Sikandar Kumar claimed 4/19 and Abhishek Kumar 2/21.
With 35 overs to chase this target down, Royal ambled to victory in 31.4 overs, though it wasn’t all plain sailing as they lost eight wickets in the process. Joydeepan Deb contributed 32 runs to the chase, while Wallambok Nongkhlaw (3/22) and Prakash Uniyal (2/26) were the most successful bowlers for MLP.
The trophies at the prize distribution ceremony were distributed by SCA President Naba Bhattacharjee and General Secretary Amit Singhania, among other SCA officials.
The contest had the added benefit of a third umpire overseeing proceedings, with the SCA installing cameras focused on the creases at both ends. This will also be in place for tomorrow’s Super Division final between Rangkynsai and New Friends Union.
While Rangkynsai reached the final by beating Nongmynsong on 20th April in the last-four stage, NFU were meant to face United XI in the second semi on 23rd April but, again, there was no intimation from the SCA on that match’s result.
(Shillong Cricket Association photo)