Shillong, Oct 6: Sikkim and Nagaland were declared joint winners of the 1st Senior Women’s Interstate Friendship T20 Tournament at Nongkhrah, Ri-Bhoi, on Saturday after no play was possible in the final due to rain and a wet outfield.

The tournament began on September 30th and was organised by the North East Cricket Development Council (NECDC) and hosted by the Meghalaya Cricket Association (MCA). All six NECDC states – Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland and Sikkim – participated.

The intention of the NECDC in holding this tournament was to prepare the member states’ senior women’s teams for the BCCI 2024-25 domestic season. Three days of glorious group matches were possible, with the pitch playing well and the outfield in good condition but the weather had the ultimate say and divided honours between the two finalists.

At the prize distribution ceremony, captain Debasmita Dutta of Meghalaya (which reached the semifinals) was named Player of the Tournament for her all-round efforts of scoring 46 runs with the bat and taking 5 wickets with the ball.

The Best Batter was Samayita Roy Prodhan of Sikkim, who hit 63 runs in three innings, and the Best Bowler was Monica Devi Ningthoujam of Manipur, who claimed 6 wickets, including one five-wicket haul. Her team mate Kalpana Devi was named Best Wicketkeeper for carrying out five dismissals – three stumpings, one catch and one run out.

Speaking at the conclusion, the chief guest, Director of Sports and Youth Affairs, Dikki D Shira, who has long had a close association with the sport, told the two teams, “Your hard work and perseverance has paid off. Keep working harder, practising and continue your winning streak.” He also thanked the NECDC for holding this tournament in Meghalaya.

Sports & Youth Affairs Minister, Shakliar Warjri, could not be there in person but sent a message to the players saying, “Through dedication and hard work I’m sure we will see you continue successfully.”

NECDC Founder Co-Convenor and MCA President, Nababrata Bhattacharjee, praised the effort of the Ri-Bhoi District Cricket Association (RBDCA), led by its President (and MCA Vice-President) Rayonald Kharkamni, in getting the Nongkhrah ground ready for cricket in only a few months since it was acquired.

Bhattacharjee also thanked the local community and elders of Nongkhrah for playing their part in the growth of cricket in Meghalaya and regionally.

Others who spoke included Mamon Majumdar, BCCI Apex Council Member. He reminded those present that it had been Bhattacharjee who was instrumental in getting the six states full membership of the BCCI in 2018.

“The BCCI, especially through its Secretary Jay Shah, is trying everything to bring the North East up to the level of other states,” Majumdar said. “Our performance is matching the others sometimes but we must now try to get to the next level.” He added that there is great potential among the NECDC women cricketers and encouraged them to aim for the Women’s Premier League, the women’s equivalent of the Indian Premier League.

Other dignitaries present on the occasion were Ri-Bhoi Additional Superintendent of Police Banraplang Jyrwa, Sub-Divisional Officer of the PWD Nongpoh Dahunlang Shylla and representatives of the NECDC states – Sikkim Cricket Association President Tikka Subba, Cricket Association of Mizoram (CAM) President Lalrochuanga Pachuau, Arunachal Cricket Association Vice-President Kabak Geda, Nagaland Cricket Association Honorary Secretary Hyunilo Khing, CAM Honorary Secretary P Lalremruata, CAM Honorary Joint Secretary Lalfakawma Varte and Manipur Cricket Association Honorary Joint Secretary Syed Sultan.

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