On a pitch that tested every batter’s temperament, Nagaland pulled off a gritty 21-run win against Sikkim in the 3rd NECDC Senior Men’s Interstate Friendship Tournament 2025, held at the Nagaland Cricket Stadium in Dimapur.
In a low-scoring thriller, it was Imliwati’s all-round brilliance, steady with the bat and sensational with the ball, that secured a memorable win for the home side.
Nagaland, after winning the toss, chose to bat but faced early setbacks. Sikkim’s bowlers applied pressure from both ends, making scoring difficult on a pitch offering movement and variable bounce.
Despite the low total, these partnerships provided the backbone of the innings. Sikkim’s bowling unit performed with discipline, restricting Nagaland to a modest total of 120.
Chasing 121 for victory, Sikkim’s innings never gained momentum. Though Arun Chettri anchored one end with a patient 34 off 81 balls, wickets tumbled around him as Nagaland’s bowlers hunted in pairs.
His bowling display ensured Sikkim fell short of the target, dismissed for 99 in 43 overs, handing Nagaland a well-earned 21-run victory.
In a contest that demanded grit and composure, Imliwati’s performance stood out not only did he top-score for Nagaland with 27 runs but also returned to bowl a lethal 10 over spell, conceding just 10 runs and taking 4 wickets. His all-round contribution sealed the match and earned him the Player of the Match title.
Manipur crush Mizoram by 202 runs in a one-sided affair
In one of the most dominant displays of the tournament so far, Manipur overwhelmed Mizoram by 202 runs at the Sovima Cricket Ground. The match saw a power-packed batting display from Manipur and a ruthless bowling response that dismantled Mizoram’s lineup.
Jotin Singh Pheiroijam was the architect of the win and was named Player of the Match for his explosive innings and field presence.
Manipur’s top order turned up in full force, lighting up Sovima with a flurry of boundaries. The intent was clear from the first ball, with the batters playing aggressively yet calculated.
With smart rotation and explosive strokeplay, Manipur built pressure that the Mizoram bowlers struggled to contain. Despite a few breakthroughs, Mizoram couldn’t stop the run flow, as Manipur closed the innings at a daunting 290/7 in just 40 overs.
Faced with a mountain of a target, Mizoram never looked settled. Early wickets and relentless bowling crushed their hopes of a comeback. Only Johan Lalbiakkima offered some spark with a quickfire 22 off 21 balls. The rest of the bowling unit supported well, keeping the pressure on and dismantling the Mizoram batting lineup within 25.1 overs.
Jotin Singh’s dynamic 68 off 51 deliveries set the tone for Manipur’s emphatic win. His ability to control the tempo of the innings and accelerate at will made him the standout performer of the match.