Shillong, Sep 28: Tura District Cricket Association defeated West Jaintia Hills DCA by six wickets to become the first team to reach the final of the Meghalaya Cricket Association’s U-19 Boys Inter District Cricket Tournament after the first semifinal in Salpara, Mendipathar, today.
WJH had qualified for the knockouts as the top team in Zone 1’s Group B, while Tura were the runners-up in the single group Zone 2.
Winning the toss and batting first did not work out so well for WJH, who eked out a modest 116/9 in the allotted 40 overs. Although there were fairly decent contributions by Ewanmidao Pyrtuh (24) at the top of the order and Dawanchwami Passah (25) in the middle order, the lack of big partnerships stopped West Jaintia Hills from building a big total.
Of the TDCA bowlers, the most successful was actually introduced last among the six who were used. Ben Haden N Marak bowled 5 overs for figures of 3/9 as he cleaned up the tail. Fernando Barbaryo M Sangma (2/21) and Denikcheng Marak (2/25) claimed a brace each.
WJH had some early successes with the ball thanks to Chwamiki Ryngkhlem, who bagged 3/27, and Tura were on 29/4 in the 10th over before Shahin Alone (52 from 47 deliveries, 3x4s, 5x6s) and Jhon Venny (27 and 64, 2x4s) came together and dominated the bowling in an unbeaten partnership of 88 runs that saw Tura to victory in 24.5 overs.
Tomorrow, at the same venue, will witness the second semifinal between Zone 2 toppers East Garo Hills DCA versus Zone 1 Group A winners Shillong Cricket Association A.
