Shillong, March 29: Abhishek Kumar claimed a five-wicket haul as Meghalaya breezed past Arunachal Pradesh by eight wickets in their first match of the 1st North East Inter State Friendship Tournament in Nagaland on Wednesday.

The tournament is being organised by the North East Cricket Development Committee.

The start of the Group A match was delayed due to a wet outfield and the overs were reduced but that did not have any impact on the game as Arunachal were bundled out for just 49 in 19.1 overs, which Meghalaya chased in 8.5 overs.

Kumar bagged 5/16 in 6 overs, with the other five wickets shared out between five different bowlers. The top score for Arunachal was 11 by Techi Neri.

Meghalaya lost their two openers, Kishan Lyngdoh and Raj Biswa, for just 15 on the board but Arien B Sangma (19 not out) and Wallambok Nongkhlaw (4 not out) got the team over the finish line, with Arunachal also helping out with 17 extras.

Meghalaya will next play Manipur on March 31.

Also Read: IMD says excess rainfall in Assam, Meghalaya; deficit in 4 NE states this month