Tura, May 6: ABZO XI emerged victorious in the final of the 3rd P.A. Sangma Memorial Day & Night Cricket Tournament, defeating Selsella Jarambong Sports Association by a narrow margin of 7 runs in a high-octane match held at the Tura Police Parade Ground, that truly went down to the wire with the winner decided on the very last ball of the match.
Winning the toss and electing to bat first, ABZO XI posted a competitive total of 108 runs for the loss of 8 wickets in their allotted 10 overs. The highlight of the innings was a blistering knock by Raja Ali, who scored an explosive 73 runs off just 24 balls, including 11 sixes and 1 four, at a staggering strike rate of over 300. His innings set the tone for the match and later earned him the ‘Man of the Match’ and ‘Player of the Series’ awards. Apart from Raja, only Chandan managed to reach double digits, scoring 18 off 12 balls, featuring two sixes and a four.
In response, Selsella Jarambong made a strong counter-attack led by Khanindra, who scored 38 runs off 18 balls including 5 sixes, and a late flourish by Suraj Marak with 27 runs off 11 balls including 3 sixes and two fours. However, they fell short, managing 101 runs for the loss of 7 wickets in their 10 overs. Selsella also had no one except Khanindra and Suraj in double digits.
The final over was the match’s dramatic peak. With Selsella Jarambong needing 24 runs, Suraj Marak sparked hope by skilfully guiding the second delivery for four towards fine leg, then hammering two consecutive sixes off the fourth and fifth deliveries from Chandan, leaving both the teams and the spectators on the edges. With Chandan’s first delivery going for a wide, he had given away 17 runs in the 5 balls, leaving Selsella Jarambong needing 7 runs on the last ball for a draw and 8 runs for a win. Though the odds still favoured ABZO XI, a last-ball wide or no-ball could have completely turned the game. But Chandan held his nerve and had Suraj caught at short third man on the final ball, sealing the win for ABZO XI.
On the bowling front, for ABZO XI, Raja Ali starred again with the ball, picking up 3 wickets for 38 runs, while Danis Choudhary also claimed 3 wickets, conceding just 12 runs. Shakir Chiku was the most economical bowler of the match, conceding only 10 runs in 3 overs, but was unlucky to not get a wicket.
For Selsella Jarambong, Suraj Marak impressed with the ball as well, grabbing 3 wickets for only 11 runs, while Abdullah was the most economical, giving away 14 runs in 3 overs and picking up a wicket. Habib also chipped in with 2 wickets, though he was expensive, conceding 41 runs.
The final match drew a large crowd and marked a fitting end to the popular annual tournament held in memory of the late P.A. Sangma, a revered statesman and former Lok Sabha Speaker. The tournament not only celebrates cricketing talent in the region but also brings communities together in the spirit of sportsmanship.
Earlier in the day, the semifinal matches were also played at the same venue. In the first semifinal, ABZO XI won against D M Super 9 by 42 runs. Batting first, ABZO XI scored 119 runs for the loss of 8 wickets in 10 overs. In response, D M Super 9 were bundled out for 77 runs for the loss of 8 wickets.
In the second semifinal match, Selsella Jarambong Sports Association defeated SQUARE FEET by 47 runs. Put into bat first, Selsella Jarambong scored a mammoth 153 runs for the loss of 7 wickets in their allotted 10 overs. In response, SQUARE FEET managed to score 106 runs for the loss of 8 wickets.
Since the quarterfinal matches on Sunday, the organizers of the tournament set up LED screens for live viewing and instant replay, musical performances by MGMP artists on the side. For the final, third umpire, review system along with live commentary were introduced.
The final was graced by several dignitaries including Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma, Mahendraganj MLA Sanjay Sangma, Rangsakona MLA Subir Marak, Salmanpara MLA Ian Botham K. Sangma, West Garo Hills Deputy Commissioner Vibhor Agarwal, and District SP A.T. Sangma, among others.
Awards and Prizes:
ABZO XI (Winners): Rs. 3 lakh
Selsella Jarambong Sports Association (Runners-up): Rs. 1 lakh
Raja Ali (Player of the Match): Rs. 10,000
Raja Ali (Player of the Series): Rs. 20,000 and an LED TV.
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