By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, April 8: Nokrek Tigers and Myntdu Lions will face off for the prestigious Meghalaya Cricket Association’s Senior Men Challengers Cup in the final on Saturday.
Besides the trophy and glory associated with becoming champions, the added incentive is to be able to perform in front of Mohammad Azharuddin, the former Indian national team captain and legend of the sport.
Both the Tigers and Lions finished the intense 10 days of round robin action with 10 points each but Nokrek were narrowly in front on net run rate, while Umiam Eagles, Simsang Sharks and Symper Panthers failed to get into the top two, though they each had their moments in a highly competitive tournament.
Despite the wet weather in Shillong over the past two weeks, there was only one match that could not be completed and that was the game between the Lions and Tigers on April 28, meaning that there is no head-to-head to give us an indication of which team is stronger.
With the bat, Nokrek appear to have the edge, as four of their batters have made half-centuries – Anish Charak twice, captain Sylvester Mylliempdah, Krishna Thapa and Rajesh Tati. Meanwhile, Myntdu’s Aryan Bora has been the standout bowler with 13 scalps so far, including two five-wicket hauls.
In what promises to be a keenly-contested finale, Mylliempdah and his opposite number Dippu Sangma will be determined to rally their charges to victory and impress Azharuddin as well as the MCA selectors.
Match starts at 9 am.
