Shillong, Apr 28: Ri-Bhoi’s match against East Khasi Hills in Group A of Zone 1 of the Meghalaya Cricket Association’s Inter District U-19 Boys Cricket Tournament was washed out today, meaning that Shillong CA (B) have qualified for the zonal final.
Meanwhile, South Garo Hills defeated North Garo Hills by five wickets to avoid the wooden spoon in Zone 2.
Today’s final round of group matches saw Ri-Bhoi needing a huge win over EKH to top Group A based on net run rate. They started in the right way in Jowai by reaching 162/6 in 22.3 overs, going at 7.20 runs per over, after winning the toss and choosing to bat first. However, heavy rain and a wet outfield meant that no more play was possible, a bad piece of luck for Ri-Bhoi. Nevertheless, Reshab Subedi shone with an innings of 59 made off just 42 deliveries (8x4s, 2x6s) and Raj Kishor Yadav (2/32) and Rahul Kumar (2/47) picked up a brace of wickets.
In Tura, NGH won the toss and chose to bat first but were bundled out for 104 in 30 overs. Chugrak Momin top-scored with 23 while Ankit Sarkar claimed 4/7 in 5 overs, Sunbirth M Sangma 2/4 and Chengsrang S Marak 2/16. In reply, SGH were in trouble at 36/5 but an unbroken 72-run stand between Salchang Sangma (56 not out) and Sunbirth (26 not out) took the team to victory. Both teams were out of the running for a place in the final, so today’s game was more for pride than anything else. For his all-round performance, Sunbirth (pictured) was adjudged player-of-the-match.
On Saturday, SCA (B) will take on All Jaintia CA in the Zone 1 final to decide who goes on to meet East Garo Hills in the state finale on 2nd May.
(Meghalaya Cricket Association photo)
