Shillong, Apr 7: Meghalaya women’s cricket team kept their qualification hopes alive with a convincing six-wicket victory over Arunachal Pradesh women’s cricket team in Group B of the NECDC U-23 Women’s T20 Tournament in Rangpo on Tuesday.

Coming off a 67-run defeat to hosts Sikkim women’s cricket team in their opening match, Meghalaya needed a win to stay in contention for the next round—and delivered a disciplined all-round performance.

After winning the toss, Arunachal opted to bat but were restricted to 99/7 in their allotted 20 overs. Skipper Nabam Yakar top-scored with 21, while Cheanchi K Sangma starred with the ball, claiming an impressive 3/14 in her four overs to keep the opposition in check.

In reply, Meghalaya reached the target comfortably, scoring 100/4 in 16.4 overs. Monica Singh provided a solid start with 22 at the top, before Suriti Kumari Ray anchored the chase with an unbeaten 36. She was well supported by Jayshree Singh, who added 14, ensuring there were no late hiccups. Suriti eventually struck the winning run to seal the victory.

Cheanchi was adjudged Player of the Match for her match-defining bowling performance.

U-19 Men Suffer Heavy Defeat

In contrast, the Meghalaya U-19 men’s cricket team endured a tough start in the NECDC U-19 Men’s One Day Tournament, going down to Manipur U-19 men’s cricket team by 144 runs in Dimapur.

Meghalaya will look to bounce back when they face hosts Nagaland U-19 men’s cricket team in their next Group A fixture on Wednesday.

Focus on Youth Development

Both tournaments are organised by the North East Cricket Development Council (NECDC), which has introduced U-19 and U-23 formats this year to enhance exposure and provide more competitive opportunities for young cricketers in the region, especially given the limited number of domestic tournaments available at the junior level compared to the senior circuit.