The third week of the Senior Masters League (SML) 2 saw three matches on November 2, with Essa Warriors, Kohima Old Boys, and Kohima Legends emerging victorious in their respective matches.
The first match was played between Lhomithi Veterans CC and Essa Warriors. The Veterans set a modest target of 83 runs, having being bowled out in 19.5 overs. Toni Chishi scored 32 runs off 32 balls, and Pinku Deb contributed 23 off 39 balls.
The bowlers of the defending champions, Essa Warriors, Alongba and Ao Shashi were in fine form, claiming three wickets each, and restricting the opposition effectively.
Essa Warriors in response chased down the target with ease, reaching 86/4 in just 12.5 overs. Lhomithi bowlers Toni Chishi and Peter took three and one wickets respectively, but Essa Warriors won the match comfortably.
The second match was played between debutant Nzon CC and Kohima Old Boys.
Nzon CC set a competitive target of 121 runs with eight wickets lost in 20 overs. Ato Chang who scored an impressive 44 runs off 19 balls, and Meshenti Apon added 18 runs off 12 balls.
The Kohima Old Boys bowlers however gave a tough set ups, with Lanusunep and Anga Shuya managing to contain the opposition, each taking two wickets.
Kohima Old Boys in return chased the target with confidence, scoring 127/2 in just 17.5 overs.
Meren Jamir led the way by scoring with 62 runs off 62 balls, while Anga Shuya contributed 23 off 16 balls. Achem of Nzon however was able to take our two wickets in their game to defend.
The third and final match for the SML 3 third week was played between Kohima Legends and Chumu Blasters. The match witnessed Kohima Legends delivering a commanding performance, setting a massive target of 247/1 in 20 overs. Tapito’s remarkable innings of 138 off just 64 balls and Thejaselhou Yhome’s 86 coming off of 49 balls left the Chumu Blasters with a challenging chase.
Despite Khezhangutuo Zhotso’s efforts, taking a wicket for Chumu Blasters, Kohima Legends dominated the innings early on. In their plan to defend the inning Kohima Legends’ bowlers Tapito and Dziesengulie took three and two wickets respectively, ensuring a decisive victory.
Chumu Blasters managed 174/9 in 20 overs, with notable contributions from Along Jamir containing 42 off 32 balls, and Lhoupe Koza scoring 31 off 17 balls, but fell short of the target.