Shillong, Feb 19: The East Khasi Hills Cricket Association’s 5th District League T20 Cricket Tournament 2026 began yesterday at Saitsohpen, Sohra.
The tournament this year features 23 teams divided into four groups. The tournament was opened by F Lyngdoh, the Rangbah Dong of Saitsohpen.
The opening day witnessed victories for defending champions Cricket Lovers and last year’s runners-up Sohra Combine.
In the first match, Cricket Lovers defeated Laitjem CC by 45 runs in Group A. Cricket Lovers won the toss and made 198 all out batting first in 17.5 overs, with Mewankitbok Kharpuri smashing 66 from 24 balls and Sameer Chaudhary 45 from 23. Manchester Pathaw was the pick of the Laitjem bowlers with 3/14 in 4 overs.
Laitjem gave the chase a fair go but were restricted to 153/9 in 20 overs. Marken B Kharkongor top-scored with 37 from 19 balls. Mewankitbok returned figures of 3/20 in 4 overs and was named Player of the Match.
Later, Sohra Combine beat Hurdles CC by five wickets in Group B. Hurdles won the match but were kept down to 133/9 in 20 overs batting first despite Superson Diengdoh’s excellent knock of 40 from 24 balls. Kevin Diengdoh took 2/22 in 4 overs for Sohra Combine.
In the chase, Jona L Nonglait made 34 from 24 deliveries for a Player of the Match performance as Sohra Combine reached the target for the loss of five wickets in 18.4 overs. For Hurdles, Shrimonto Hajong claimed 2/22 in 3 overs.
(East Khasi Hills Cricket Association photos)