SHILLONG: Shillong Cricket Association (SCA) emerged champions of the U-16 Inter District Cricket Tournament organized by the Meghalaya Cricket Association beating East Khasi Hills by four wickets in what was a low scoring affair at Cricket Ground, Polo on Tuesday.
Electing to bat first, East Khasi Hills were all out in the 33rd over with just 105 runs on the board.
Young talent Ibitlang Thabah scored 22 runs off 30 balls while Michael Makdoh chipped in with 16 runs off 30 balls. Aryan Bora was the pick of the bowlers for SCA claiming 4 wickets while Kiran Biswa scalped 2 wickets. In reply, SCA started well but were left struggling in the middle following the fall of wickets at regular intervals.
It then became a battle of nerves and the SCA lads prevailed in the end reaching the target in the 34th over losing six wickets in the process.
Opener Biprodeep Dasgupta held one end scoring 20 runs off 50 balls while in-form batsman Surya Rai once again came good, scoring a quick 33 runs off 50 balls for SCA. For EKH Purna Chetri claimed 3 wickets for 15 runs and Jonabi Hajong took 2 wickets for 11 runs.
Health Minister AL Hek who was the chief guest on the occasion gave away the trophy to the winning team in presence of officials of Meghalaya Cricket Association and the affiliate district associations. He also assured continuous support to the cause of developing cricket in Meghalaya. Meanwhile, Naba Bhattacharjee, Honorary Secretary, MCA declared the MCA academic scholarship award for 2015 on the occasion. The scholarships went to Klostarding Lyngdoh(SWKH), Elchiang Momin(WGH) and Surya Rai (SCA). The scholarship grants an amount of Rs 6000 for each player to take care of their school fees etc., for the coming year. Earlier Ibitlang Thabah of EKH bagged the scholarship in the U-19 category. Health Minister AL Hek