Shillong, Mar 9: Meghalaya Women’s Under-23 Cricket Team registered a convincing six-wicket victory over Nagaland Women’s Under-23 Cricket Team in the Plate Group of the BCCI Under-23 Women’s One Day Trophy 2025–26 in Chandigarh on Monday.
Captain Monica L Phawa delivered a match-winning performance, carrying her bat through the chase with an unbeaten 78 off 132 deliveries as Meghalaya successfully chased down the target of 146 in 46 overs. Her composed innings included nine boundaries.
Earlier, Meghalaya won the toss and opted to field first, bowling out Nagaland for 145 in 46 overs. The bowling attack was led by Cheanchi K Sangma (3/29) and Blaridahun Dkhar (3/41), while Indariakor Kharwanniang (2/24) and Monica Singh (2/33) also made valuable contributions. For Nagaland, Iluneule Zeliang top-scored with 46 off 77 balls.
Nagaland entered the match with three consecutive wins but faced a determined Meghalaya side.
Meghalaya’s chase began on a positive note as Monica Phawa and Ankita Sharma (14 off 62 balls) stitched together a 68-run opening partnership. Although Ankita and three other batters fell, leaving Meghalaya at 107/4, Phawa remained steady at the crease.
She then received strong support from Janika Marak, who remained unbeaten on 18 from 31 balls, as the duo guided the team to victory with four overs to spare.
Meghalaya had earlier suffered defeats against Manipur Women’s Under-23 Cricket Team and Sikkim Women’s Under-23 Cricket Team but bounced back strongly by defeating Arunachal Pradesh Women’s Under-23 Cricket Team by eight wickets on Saturday.
In that match, Arunachal Pradesh were bowled out for 79 after winning the toss and electing to bat. Monica Singh starred with the ball, taking 4/12 in 9.5 overs, while Sara Dafica Kharbani claimed 2/35.
Meghalaya chased down the target in just 23 overs, with contributions from Janika Marak (22), Ankita Sharma (23), Suriti K Ray (16) and Monica Phawa (16).
With two consecutive wins, Meghalaya have climbed to third position in the standings and remain in contention for the Plate Group final. They will next face second-placed Mizoram Women’s Under-23 Cricket Team in their final round-robin match on Wednesday.
