By Our Reporter
Shillong, Jan 31: Nongpdeng held their nerve to secure an eight-run win over Shibakha in a closely contested T20 match, successfully defending a total of 153 for two.
Mark Lamare anchored the Nongpdeng innings with an unbeaten 66 off 56 balls, while Raymond Thabah’s quickfire 40 not out off 25 deliveries provided the late surge. Damon Sun chipped in with 20 as Nongpdeng ensured a competitive total.
Chasing 154, Shibakha stayed in the hunt through Khambor Kharbuki’s 62 off 61 balls, with Ben Mawthoh adding an unbeaten 17 down the order. Regular wickets checked their momentum.Wanbor Lamare proved the difference with a decisive five-wicket haul for 24 runs, as Shibakha were restricted to 145 for nine, falling short despite a late push. In the end, the narrow margin only served to underline how finely balanced the contest was, with Nongpdeng’s ability to hold their composure under pressure proving decisive when it mattered most. Defending a total that always felt just about par on a testing surface, they combined disciplined bowling with sharp fielding to deny Shibakha the freedom to accelerate in the closing overs. While Kharbuki’s resistance kept the chase alive deep into the innings.
