Shillong, Dec 3: Meghalaya required less than 25 overs on the third and final day of the U-16 Vijay Merchant Trophy zonal qualfier to bowl out Sikkim for 141 and thus win by a resounding margin of an innings and 8 runs.
Resuming on 90/6 and looking to bat out for a draw, Sikkim’s lower order put on 51 runs but were bowled out before lunch at the MCA Cricket Ground here on Sunday.
After having made only 114 in their first innings and then seeing the hosts amass 263, it was always going to be a tall order for Sikkim and Meghalaya were determined to polish off the remaining wickets.
The first to fall on Sunday was Zakir, who was caught by Meghalaya’s Sudhir Sahani off the bowling of captain Rushikesh Jadhav. Zakir had compiled a patient 13 runs off 77 deliveries.
Next to depart was Sajal Thapa (18), who was caught by Abhishek Gupta off the bowling of Kirtirajsinh Raulji with the score reading 125/8 and Meghalaya looking to mop up the last two wickets.
This happened in short order with Gavineal Marpna bowling Robin Limboo and No. 11 Ingsho Limboo being mankaded.
Left-arm spinner Marpna thus claimed four wickets in each innings and ended with impressive match figures of 8-58 in 34 overs.
Also worthy of recognition was Raulji, who took 3-13 with the ball in Sikkim’s second innings and scored an unbeaten 63 with the bat for Meghalaya.
Jadhav, meanwhile, took a brace of wickets in each of Sikkim’s innings to end with match figures of 4-29 with the added pleasure of leading his side to victory. Meghalaya’s next match will be against Arunachal Pradesh in Shillong from December 7.
(Photo contributed by the Meghalaya Cricket Association)
