From Our Correspondent
Vijayawada, Nov 4: Debutants Kishan Lyngdoh and Chirag Khurana produced an impressive 79-run opening stand to see Meghalaya demolish Mizoram by 9-wickets in their opening match of the Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 tournament here at the Magalagiri Andhra Cricket Association Stadium.
Lyngdoh and Khurana were in sublime touch with both marking their debuts with a boundary each. Lyngdoh scored an impressive 52 runs that included 8 fours and a massive six. Meanwhile, Khurana, who until last season played for Maharashtra in the domestic circuit, was unbeaten on 42 runs with five boundaries.
Both Meghalaya openers handled the Mizoram bowling attack with relative ease. The Mizoram attack consisted of formidable bowlers, especially the talented Iqbal Abdullah who was awarded the Indian Premier League’s ‘Rising Star’ trophy in 2011.
Speaking exclusively to The Shillong Times, Lyngdoh said, “I knew this innings was coming. I always believed that I can produce such performance. I am happy that my knock helped our team start our season with a win.”
Lyngdoh who earlier represented Meghalaya in the Under 23 age categories said that he was waiting for an opportunity to represent the state in the senior level. “This is the opportunity I was waiting for a long time. And I had to make the most of it. I just believed in my method, my practice and everything I practiced for clicked today.”
Rohit Shah who came to bat after Lyngdoh was adjudged leg-before wicket remain not out on 12 (off 10 balls).
Earlier, Mizoram had won the toss and decided to bat on a flat track. Meghalaya bowlers showed great discipline to restrict Mizoram on 102/3 in the stipulated 20 overs.
Khurana and star all-rounder Dippu Sangma bagged a wicket apiece, while the third wicket was a run out that was effected by a brilliant piece of fielding from Chengkam Sangma.
Meghalaya next play Sikkim on Friday. “We are positive about the game against Sikkim. As we have never lost against them in any BCCI tournament,” said Dippu.
After Sikkim, Meghalaya will next face Vidarbha (which also has India fast bowler Umesh Yadav) on Saturday followed by matches against Tripura on Monday and Arunachal Pradesh on Tuesday.
