By Our Reporter
Shillong, April 23: Nongthymmai Academy and Shillong Higher Secondary School booked their places in the semifinals of the Inter-School Under-15 Cricket Tournament, organised by the Shillong Cricket Association, after registering convincing victories in their respective quarterfinal matches.
In the first quarterfinal, Nongthymmai Academy defeated Nongthymmai Nepali School by five wickets in a well-fought contest.
After winning the toss, Nongthymmai Academy opted to field first and restricted Nongthymmai Nepali School to 113 all out in their allotted 20 overs.
Raj Paswan top-scored for Nongthymmai Nepali School with a fluent 41 off 32 deliveries, while Runu Sinha chipped in with a valuable 30 from 31 balls to steady the innings.With the ball, Avishkar Chettri was the standout performer for Nongthymmai Academy, claiming three wickets for 18 runs in his four-over spell. Sushant Thapa also made an impact, returning figures of 2 for 6 from two overs.
In reply, Nongthymmai Academy chased down the target comfortably, scoring 114 for 5 in 18.3 overs. Avishkar once again played a crucial role, contributing 27 runs off 30 balls to guide his side home.
For Nongthymmai Nepali School, Roshan Kumar was the pick of the bowlers with figures of 2 for 21 in four overs.Avishkar Chettri was deservedly named Player of the Match for his all-round performance of 27 runs and three wickets.
In another quarterfinal, Shillong Higher Secondary School secured a five-wicket win over Sunrise Academy to advance to the last four.
After winning the toss, Sunrise Academy elected to bat first and posted 109 for 6 in 20 overs.
D Rajdeep Singh remained unbeaten on 30 off 34 balls, while Vidhan Ruchal added 23 from 28 deliveries to help the team reach a competitive total.
For Shillong Higher Secondary School, Fredrick Kharsyntiew impressed with the ball, taking two wickets for just 13 runs in his four overs, while Rajdeep Gosh claimed one wicket for 28 runs.
Chasing 110 for victory, Shillong Higher Secondary School reached 113 for 5 in 16.5 overs. Mewanai Kongbuh anchored the innings with a patient 39 off 49 balls to ensure a comfortable finish.
Aniket Singh picked up one wicket for Sunrise Academy, conceding 19 runs in his four-over spell.
Rajdeep Gush was adjudged Player of the Match for his unbeaten 19 and one wicket, as Shillong Higher Secondary School sealed their semifinal berth with authority.
