Shillong, May 13: Meghalaya have booked their spot in the final of the 3rd NECDC Senior Men’s Interstate Friendship Tournament 2025 after a dominant seven-wicket victory over Arunachal Pradesh in the semifinal held at Sovima Cricket Ground in Nagaland on Tuesday.
Winning the toss and choosing to field, Meghalaya bowled out Arunachal for just 101 runs in 33.1 overs. The modest target was then chased down in only 19.3 overs, showcasing a complete team performance in both departments.
The tournament is hosted by the Nagaland Cricket Association under the North East Cricket Development Council. It serves as a preparatory platform for the states ahead of the BCCI 2025–26 domestic season.
This marks Meghalaya’s best run in the tournament so far, having fallen short of the final in the previous two editions due to weather interruptions.
Pivotal to Tuesday’s win was the exceptional bowling attack led by Manish Sharma, who delivered a stunning spell, finishing with figures of 4/2 in 5.1 overs. He was well-supported by Ram Gurung (3/21 in 7 overs) and Aryan Borah (3/28 in 10 overs). Despite a promising start by Arunachal, reaching 50/1, Meghalaya’s bowlers triggered a dramatic collapse, with six batters clean bowled. Captain Neelam Obi top-scored for Arunachal with 28 runs.
In the chase, Arpit Bhatewara powered Meghalaya with a brisk 49 runs off 39 balls, smashing 10 boundaries. He shared a 56-run opening stand with Arien Bonchang Sangma, who contributed 22 runs off 30 balls. The finishing touches were provided by Nishanta Chakraborty (16*), Lerry G Sangma (1*), and skipper Kishan Lyngdoh, who chipped in with 13 runs.
Meghalaya will now face defending champions Nagaland in the final on Thursday. Nagaland, who have won both previous editions of the tournament, defeated Manipur by four wickets in the other semifinal.
Earlier in the group stage, Meghalaya stunned hosts and favourites Nagaland in a rain-curtailed match, winning by 14 runs. They then thrashed Sikkim by nine wickets to top Group B and secure a semifinal berth.
Key performers in the group stage included Jaskirat Singh Sachdeva (67) and Arpit (57) against Nagaland. The bowling unit also chipped in, with wickets shared among Akash K Choudhary, Abhishek Kumar, Ram, and Aryan. Against Sikkim, Ram picked up 3/21, Akash 3/28, and Abhishek 2/24. Arpit struck another unbeaten half-century (55*), with Akash supporting him on 53*.
All eyes are now on the final showdown between Meghalaya and the reigning champions in what promises to be an exciting clash.
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