Shillong, Sep 21: West Jaintia Hills District Cricket Association snatched a one wicket victory off the last ball in an edge-of-the-seat contest against East Khasi Hills Cricket Association in Zone 1’s Group B of the Meghalaya Cricket Association’s U-19 Boys Inter District Cricket Tournament today.
The other scheduled match, between Tura DCA and North Garo Hills DCA in Zone 2, had to be abandoned in Salpara, Mendipathar, without a ball being bowled. At Umbuda, Nongpoh, the match was reduced to 25 overs a side. EKH won the toss and quickly chose to bat first as they looked to post a big total.
However, they faced an early setback as they lost their top three batters for just 30 runs on the board. Nangsan Kynter (14) and Daulabiang Shangpliang (35) then began repairing the innings and EKH made it to 100 for the loss of two additional wickets.
That was when a further three wickets fell for just 5 runs and EKH were struggling on 107/8. A late flourish by Number 10 Jentizen Marpna, however, with 16 not out from 11 balls, got them to 132 all out. Namewanki Pakyntein finished with figures of 3/20 and Byforcestar Dhar 2/25.
In a similar start to their innings, West Jaintia Hills were also reduced to 30/3 before a 47-run partnership between Chwamiki Ryngkhlem (18) and Namewanki (19) steadied the ship. EKH fought back with a spate of wickets before Marconi Phawa came to the rescue with an innings of 33 from 30 balls (2x4s, 3x6s), which was absolutely crucial in getting WJH to 100.
However, Marconi could not see the job through and when he fell as the ninth wicket, WJH were on 116, with 17 runs still to win in 3.2 overs. Although the required run rate was not a problem, trying to strike the winning runs with the last pair of batters was an issue.
Thankfully for them, Riata Challam was able to hit two fours in an unbeaten 14 from 22, while Stellify N Sten managed to eke out 2 from 4, including the winning run off the very last ball, to get their side home by one wicket.
Damechwa Khongsngi (3/11) was the pick of the bowlers for EKH, while Despenly Syiemlieh (2/32) and Daulabiang (2/34) also had success, even if they were a little expensive having bowled 4 and 5 overs respectively.
Tomorrow, in Zone 1’s Group A, Shillong Cricket Association A will face Ri-Bhoi DCA, while South Garo Hills DCA and North Garo Hills DCA will play each other in Zone 2.
