By Our Reporter
Shillong, April 4: It was a day of explosive batting and commanding performances in the Late P.A. Sangma Memorial T20 Cricket Tournament 2026, organised by the Shillong Cricket Association, as Sputnik CC and Rangkynsai SC registered emphatic wins in their respective matches.
In the first match, Sputnik CC put up a daunting total of 234 for 3 in their allotted 20 overs after Young Guns CC opted to field. Amiangshu led the charge with a fluent unbeaten 69 off 35 balls, while Manish Kumar Ray added a brisk 59 from 31 deliveries to power the innings.
Among the bowlers, Grish Raj Ray and Mewankitbok managed to pick up a wicket each, conceding 27 and 26 runs respectively in their four-over spells.
In reply, Young Guns CC failed to keep up with the steep required rate and finished at 133 for 7 in 20 overs. Aditya Singh top-scored with 30 off 39 balls, while Rudra Singh chipped in with 24 off 15 deliveries. Nafees Siddique and Aditya Singhania starred with the ball for Sputnik CC, claiming two wickets apiece. Sputnik CC eventually cruised to a comprehensive 101-run victory, with Amiangshu being adjudged Player of the Match for his match-winning knock.In another high-scoring encounter, Rangkynsai SC edged past Capital Starts by a narrow margin of nine runs in a closely fought contest.Batting first after winning the toss, Rangkynsai SC posted a formidable 240 for 5 in 20 overs. Kishan Lyngdoh was the standout performer, smashing 81 off just 35 balls, while Ajay Duhan contributed a solid 55 from 39 deliveries.
Amit Boro and Joydeep Singh were the pick of the bowlers for Capital Starts, taking two and one wickets respectively.
Chasing 241, Capital Starts mounted a strong challenge, finishing at 231 for 6 in their 20 overs. Joydeep Singh played a brilliant knock of 84 off 49 balls, supported by Sanjay Kumar Singh’s quickfire 42 from 21 deliveries. However, the target proved just out of reach.Ram Gurung and Sanvert played key roles with the ball for Rangkynsai SC, sharing three wickets between them to hold their nerve in the closing stages.Rangkynsai SC secured a hard-fought nine-run win, with Kishan Lyngdoh earning the Player of the Match award for his match-defining innings.
As the tournament gathers pace, Saturday’s twin encounters served as a reminder of the depth of talent and competitive edge present in Shillong’s cricketing circuit. From commanding batting displays to nervy finishes under pressure, both matches encapsulated the essence of T20 cricket — unpredictable, fast-paced, and unforgiving. While Sputnik CC underlined their title credentials with a clinical all-round performance, Rangkynsai SC showcased resilience and composure to edge out a determined Capital Starts side in a high-scoring thriller.
With momentum beginning to build and teams finding their rhythm, the coming fixtures promise even more intensity, as the race for supremacy in the prestigious tournament tightens with each passing game.
If Saturday was any indication, the road ahead in the tournament is set to be anything but straightforward. Big totals are being chased, bowlers are being tested, and the margin for error is shrinking with every game. Sputnik CC’s dominance spoke of a side in control, ticking all the boxes with ease, while Rangkynsai SC’s narrow escape highlighted the importance of holding one’s nerve when it matters most.
