SHILLONG: Pynkhlain Marwein shone bright with bat and ball as South West Khasi Hills 2 beat West Garo Hills by 46 runs in the opening match of the Inter District School (U-16) cricket tournament, organised by the Meghalaya Cricket Association at the Cricket Ground, Polo, on Friday.
According to a press release from the MCA, West Garo Hills chose to bowl first after winning the toss.
It was a bowlers’ day overall as WGH were able to roll SWKH over for just 108 runs in 29.3 overs of the allotted 35.
Pynkhlain, however, batted patiently, amassing 48 runs, while Axlrose Momin and Chigrik Sangma picked up three and two wickets, respectively.
In reply, West Garo Hills started steadily but began to lose wickets at regular intervals.
Without managing to string together a big enough partnership, WGH were all out for 62 in 14.3 overs, with Pynkhlain taking a superlative five-wicket haul. Donkupar also chipped in with three wickets.
In a session with the players before the start of the match, Naba Bhattacharjee, honorary secretary of the MCA, urged the youngsters to play their game in the right spirit and act as ambassadors of their districts.
He also focused on the oppotunity for the boys to intermingle and build a strong bond of friendship among the youth of the state.
The U-16 category will be the future of a strong state team and strong performers will be rewarded with scholarships, book grants and coaching, he added.
Saturday’s match will see Shillong Cricket Association 2 take on South West Khasi Hills 1.