By Our Reporter
Shillong, Dec 29: Meghalaya Media United booked a place in the pre-quarterfinals of the Shillong League C Division with a commanding 98-run win over Occult in their Group A clash at Demseniong on Monday.
In a must-win fixture for both teams after earlier defeats to Youngstars, Occult elected to field after winning the toss. Meghalaya Media United began steadily, with Deepak Chettri and Dino Renthlei adding 33 in the opening four overs before Superson Diengdoh broke the stand by removing Chettri.Thungga M. Sangma then took charge of the innings, smashing a brisk 64 off 36 deliveries to lift the total. He was dismissed with the score on 139 in the 14th over, soon followed by Renthlei. However, late fireworks from player-of-the-match Siddhant Barua (41 not out off 21), along with useful contributions from Jakim Sangma and Rakrik B. Marak, propelled Meghalaya Media United to a formidable 212/5 in 20 overs.Set a stiff target, Occult’s chase never gathered momentum. Superson and Md Adib provided a brief spark at the top, but Rakrik struck twice in quick succession to dent their hopes. Siddhant Barua (3/17) and Md Farid Hussain (2/14) then tightened the screws as Occult were bowled out for 114 in 18.4 overs.
Earlier in the day, Shi Bakha CC also progressed to the pre-quarters, defeating Governor House XI by four wickets. Batting first, Governor House XI posted 159/9, with Deepak Thapa and Roshan Ram leading the scoring.
