1st MLA Trophy
By Our Reporter
Shillong, Nov 7: The newly-formed Meghalaya Media United SC marked their debut in style, edging past Momentum — runners-up of the 3rd Division Shillong League — by two wickets in a thrilling encounter at the 1st MLA Trophy Deuce Tournament on Friday.
In what turned out to be a memorable first outing, Media United’s Deepak Chettri and Amit Meinam Singh starred with both bat and ball, guiding the team to victory after a late wobble.
Chettri’s all-round display earned him the Player of the Match award, while Momentum’s Jied Lyngdoh was the standout performer for his side, claiming four wickets to keep the contest alive until the end.
Put into the field under slightly damp conditions that aided movement, Media United’s bowlers made the most of the situation early on. The new-ball pair of Rakrik Marak and Dino Renthlei struck in quick succession, reducing Momentum to 3 for 20 within the first four overs.Momentum, however, showed resilience through a crucial partnership between Asif Ali (30) and Ankit (24), who stitched together a steady stand to lift their side towards a competitive total. But just when they seemed to have regained control, Amit Meinam Singh delivered a decisive spell, claiming three wickets, while Chettri chipped in with two more to dismiss Momentum for 101 in 17.5 overs.Chasing a modest target of 102, Media United’s openers began aggressively, with Deepak Chettri (30) and Bunny Sharma tearing into the bowling attack to bring up 60 runs inside six overs. However, what seemed an easy chase turned tense as Momentum’s bowlers fought back, triggering a middle-order collapse.With the game hanging in the balance and seven runs still needed after the fall of the eighth wicket, Rakrik Marak and Thunga held their nerve, rotating the strike sensibly to guide Meghalaya Media United home in a nail-biting finish.
