Shillong, Sep 16: After a rigorous selection process, the senior women’s selection committee of the Meghalaya Cricket Association has announced its final 15-member squad for the BCCI’s Senior Women’s T20 Trophy plate group, which will take place in Tripura next month.
The team will be led by standout all-rounder Debasmita Dutta, who will have the able backing of Daiaka E Warjri as vice-captain.
All the support staff have been drawn from within the state, with Mackie D Blah set to be the head coach.
The tournament will begin on 8 October and the matches will be held in Agartala.
Also in the plate group are the other developing cricket states of the North East – Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh and Manipur.
The top two from the group stage will qualify for the plate final. Meghalaya’s preparatory camp for this tournament will run from 21 September to 5 October at Nongkhrah, Nongpoh.
All 15 selected players plus the five standbys and support staff will report at Nongpoh on 20 September. Players from Khasi-Jaintia Hills will assemble in Shillong first and travel down to Nongpoh together whereas players from Garo Hills will proceed directly to Nongpoh.
Meghalaya squad
Luiza Tamang, Daiaka E Warjri (VC), Shruti Kr Ray, Indariakor Kharwanniang, Debasmita Dutta (C), Ruby Chettri, Solina Jaba, Ajima A Sangma, Sandria K Momin, Monica L Phawa (WK), Riticia Nongbet, Rebeldalis Syiemlieh, Janka Marak (WK), Monycable Marbaniang, Ankita Sharma
Standbys
Dubleen D Nengnong, Ritreki Pohshna, Pilika Marak, Blaridahun Dkhar, Deiphibapynshngain L Mawnai
Support staff
Mackie D Blah (head coach), Eugene K Kharsyntiew (assistant coach), Marybalahun Sawkmie (physio), Darishesha Mawroh (trainer), Baiahunlang Mylliemngap (manager)
With the announcement of the squad, Meghalaya now stands on the threshold of another important campaign in women’s domestic cricket, one that will test both the progress made in recent years and the resilience of a young side eager to leave its mark.
The inclusion of local coaches and support staff is a significant step in ensuring that the state’s cricketing ecosystem grows from within, giving players and mentors alike the chance to prove themselves on the national stage.
Under the leadership of Debasmita Dutta and the steady guidance of Mackie D Blah, expectations will naturally be high, but the real measure of success will lie in how the team translates its preparation into performance against familiar North East rivals.
