Shillong, Dec 10: Meghalaya are poised for victory in their U-19 Cooch Behar Trophy 2025–26 plate group match against Nagaland, ending Day 3 just four wickets short of sealing the contest at the MCA Ground here today. A decisive final 45 minutes of play turned the tide firmly in favour of the home side.
Chasing a challenging target of 375 runs, Nagaland began their second innings with confidence and were well placed at 194/2, showing strong resistance against Meghalaya’s spinners. However, a tactical switch to pace in the fading light proved crucial as Meghalaya captain Angkit Tamang brought himself into the attack alongside Apandanka Marak. The pair dismantled Nagaland’s middle order, taking two wickets each to leave the visitors struggling at 208/6 by stumps. Nagaland still require 167 runs on the final day to pull off an unlikely win.
Earlier in the day, Meghalaya resumed their second innings at 137/5 and were bowled out for 227, adding 90 runs to their overnight total. In the first innings, the hosts had posted 312 before bundling out Nagaland for 165.
Nagaland’s chase began brightly with Shyerinlo Thong scoring 47 and Tachuye Trakha making 62. The opening pair put on a solid 93-run stand before Shyerinlo was caught at short midwicket by Sameer Choudhury off Gaurav Jyoti Thakuria (1/43). Tachuye fell soon after, caught at gully off Mewankitbok Kharpuri (1/54). Jesevilie Dzeyie (39) and Aloto Sumi (32) then steadied the innings with a 62-run partnership for the third wicket.
With runs flowing freely and Meghalaya going quiet in the field, Angkit reintroduced himself into the attack. He bowled Jesevilie in the 53rd over, after which Apandanka struck twice in quick succession, removing Samir Ali (1) and trapping Yashimeren Jamir LBW for a duck. Angkit capped the day by dismissing Aloto, thanks to a sharp catch by Rudra Singh Rathor at point.
In Meghalaya’s second innings, no batter made a substantial score, with Rudra top-scoring with 36. Heiyoomiki Ryngkhlem contributed 23 at No. 9, and Apandanka remained unbeaten on 15.
For Nagaland, Medempok Pongen added one more wicket to finish with impressive figures of 5/45, while Aloto claimed 3/44 and Thupuluzo took 2/51.
With just four wickets remaining, Meghalaya will enter Day 4 as clear favourites to secure a comprehensive victory.
