Shillong, Mar 9: A strong performance from Meghalaya saw them defeat Nagaland by six wickets in the BCCI’s U-23 Women’s One Day Trophy 2025-26 plate group in Chandigarh today.
Monica L Phawa played a captain’s knock, carrying her bat through the chase as Meghalaya reached the target of 146 to win in 46 overs. Monica was not out at the end on 78 from 132 deliveries, a fantastic innings that included nine fours.
Earlier, Meghalaya won the toss and chose to field first and they dismissed Nagaland for 145 in 46 overs. Cheanchi K Sangma (3/29), Blaridahun Dkhar (3/41), Indariakor Kharwanniang (2/24) and Monica Singh (2/33) were the stars with the ball, while Iluneule Zeliang (46 from 77 balls) top-scored for Nagaland.
Nagaland had won all three of their previous matches but were up against a determined Meghalaya today.
The chase began positively for Meghalaya as Monica Phawa and Ankita Sharma (14 from 62 balls) put on 68 for the opening stand. Ankita provided a supporting role but she and three other batters were dismissed, leaving Meghalaya on 107/4 and giving Nagaland a sniff of hope.
However, Monica Phawa continued to offer stiff resistance and she was given good support by Janika Marak (18 not out, 31 balls) at the end and, together, they were able to knock off the remaining runs with 4 overs to spare.
Meghalaya had a slow start to the tournament, losing to Manipur by five wickets and to Sikkim by 88 runs. That latter performance had some positives, however, such as Ankita’s unbeaten 58 and Monica Phawa’s 46.
Then, on Saturday, Meghalaya got a huge boost of confidence after beating Arunachal Pradesh by eight wickets. In that match Arunachal won the toss and batted first but were all out for 79. Monica Singh took 4/12 in 9.5 excellent overs, while Sara Dafica Kharbani took 2/35.
Meghalaya then needed just 23 overs to reach the target, with Janika (22), Ankita (23*), Suriti K Ray (16*) and Monica Phawa (16) getting the team across the finish line.
The two consecutive wins mean that Meghalaya (now up to third position) are right back in contention for the plate group final. They will face second-placed Mizoram in their last round robin match on Wednesday with another victory in their sights.
(Meghalaya Cricket Association photo)
