By Our Reporter
Shillong, Nov 26: In a gripping U-19 men’s Cooch Behar Trophy encounter, Meghalaya exhibited resilience with the bat on Sunday, yet finds itself in a challenging position against Nagaland as the final day approaches on Monday.
As the third day concluded, Meghalaya stood at 120/3, requiring an additional 335 runs for victory.
Nagaland, commencing their second innings at 131/1, had set the stage by posting 245 all out in the first innings, to which Meghalaya responded with a modest 110/10.Commanding a formidable 135-run lead from the first innings, Nagaland, with a declaration at 319/4 in their second innings, established a daunting target of 455 runs for Meghalaya to chase.Despite the daunting task, the home team showcased a notable improvement in their batting performance during the final session. Pushkar Raj Singh emerged as a standout performer, scoring 55 from 79 balls, including a dozen fours.
Meghalaya encountered an early setback, finding themselves at 13/2. However, the resilient partnership between Pushkar and Kishlay Vishlux steadied the ship, with Kishlay contributing an unbeaten 31 from 121 deliveries. Crucially, Kishlay’s survival provides hope for Meghalaya as he aims to extend his innings on the decisive day. Accompanying him at the close of play was the determined all-rounder Shavian Blah, not out on 18.In earlier proceedings, Nagaland continued to dominate, with Vishal Sahani delivering a stellar performance, amassing 156 runs from just 162 balls, adorned with 22 fours and 3 sixes. Sahani’s shot-making displayed a hint of risk, but his good fortune prevailed until he was eventually dismissed by Manthan Dey (1/23 in 3 overs).
Yugandhar also contributed significantly for Nagaland, crafting a century with an exact 100 runs before succumbing to the leg spin of Charm Marbaniang. Marbaniang emerged as Meghalaya’s most successful bowler of the day, securing figures of 3/93 after a tireless effort spanning 22 overs.
As the U-19 Cooch Behar Trophy match heads into its final day, Meghalaya faces a formidable challenge in pursuit of victory, with Nagaland holding a strategic advantage.
The unfolding cricket drama promises an intense conclusion with both teams striving for supremacy on the cricketing field.
