Shillong, Nov 25: Nagaland had the best of days in the U-19 men’s Cooch Behar Trophy today as they built a lead of 266 runs over hosts Meghalaya in their match at the MCA Ground, Polo, here.
Nagaland were 241/9 at stumps on the first day and their last wicket partnership was broken early in the morning for the visitors to finish their first innings on 245 all out.
They then ran through the Meghalaya batting line-up at speed, dismissing them for just 110, giving Nagaland a first innings lead of 135. At stumps on the second day, Nagaland were on 131/1 in their second innings, leading by 266 with two days still available to play.
Vishal Sahani, who had looked good before being run out in the first innings, finished unbeaten today on 77, which he made in just 89 deliveries.
His opening partner, Jesevilie Dzeyie (16) was stumped by Dipankar Baruah off the bowling of Charm Marbaniang (1/39) but that was the only success for Meghalaya in 31 overs of bowling.
Earlier, Angkit Tamang (2/36) bagged the last wicket of Nagaland’s first innings and Meghalaya set about their first innings.
However, it started badly for the hosts and they had their top three batters back in the dugout for just 5 on the board.
It was hard to stem the collapse, though Angkit resisted for 144 deliveries for a score of 29. Pushkar Raj Singh and Shavian Blah both made 17 each, while Banialam Mylliemngap managed 15. These contributions by the middle and lower orders ensured that Meghalaya at least crossed 100 but it was far from enough.
(Meghalaya Cricket Association photo. Meghalaya’s Lensbirth Marak is bowled)