Shillong, Dec 29: Meghalaya Media United made it through to the pre-quarterfinals of the Shillong Cricket League Third Division, organised by the Shillong Cricket Association, following a thumping 98-run Group A victory over Occult at Demseniong on Monday.
In a must-win encounter for both sides following their previous respective losses to Youngstars, Occult won the toss and opted to field first.
The media team got off to a cautious start, with Deepak Chettri (11) and Dino Renthlei (36) scoring 33 in the first 4 overs. Soon after that Superson Diengdoh gave Occult their breakthrough, dismissing Deepak.
Thungga M Sangma, batting at No. 3, hammered 64 runs off just 36 balls, as MMU raced to 139 in 13.4 overs before Thungga was dismissed by Superson. They then lost Dino with the score reading 140 in 14 overs.
Just as Occult looked to claw their way back into the game, Player of the Match Siddhant Barua (41 not out off 21 balls), Jakim Sangma (13) and Rakrik B Marak (17 not out) helped Meghalaya Media Utd get to 212/5 in 20 overs.
Chasing a required run rate of over 10.6, Superson (16) and Md Adib (11) put up a 20-run stand in just 2 overs. However, Rakrik dismissed Superson, who skied one into the hands of Prasanta Phukon, before trapping Reuben Hayden Diengdoh LBW the next ball. Later, Siddhant (3/17) and Md Farid Hussain (2/14) were introduced into the attack and stopped the flow of runs. Occult were eventually dismissed for 114 in 18.4 overs.
(Photo contributed)