Shillong, Jan 22: Raj Bhavan and North Eastern Police Academy qualified for the final of the Shillong Cricket Association’s Second Division by winning their respective semifinal matches here today.
The two sides, by dint of finishing as the top two in the division, have also qualified for next season’s First Division.
In the first semi, Jersey Kings won the toss and chose to bat first against Raj Bhavan but were bowled out for 99 in 20 overs. Vijay Sunar (21) and Arun Sewa (20) were the top scorers. Man-of-the-match Sunil Yadav claimed 3/13 and Tarak Sinha 3/21.
In reply, Raj Bhavan came through with seven wickets in hand in 16.5 overs. Kiran Ram led the way with an innings of 32.
The second contest was rather similar. Sumer chose to bat first after winning the toss and managed 100/8 in their 20 overs. Utpal Sharma went better at a run-a-ball to make 23 off 20 deliveries, while Manikant Sinha (2/12) and Subrata Sinha (2/14) bagged a brace for NEPA.
The police academy team were made to struggle in the chase, however, as Badonnam John Mylliemngap scalped 3/25 with the ball and Sharma 2/21. NEPA, though, were able to squeeze through to victory by two wickets and with 2.3 overs to spare, helped in large part by man-of-the-match Subrata’s 24 off 21 and Labesh Roy’s 22 off 18.
(Shillong Cricket Association photo)