Shillong, April 26: Arbella XI held their nerve in a tense final to defeat Nongalbibra Cricket Association by one run and win the TDCA Women’s T20 League title at Alotgre Stadium in Tura on Saturday.
Coming into the final, Nongalbibra CA were firm favourites, having dominated the league stage and earlier beaten Arbella XI convincingly by nine wickets. Led by Dianchidora N Sangma, they had showcased a balanced side built around consistent batting and disciplined bowling. Arbella XI, captained by Pillika R Marak, entered the contest as underdogs after a hard-fought campaign, looking to overturn past results in the biggest match of the tournament.
Opting to bat first, Arbella XI found themselves in early trouble as Nongalbibra’s bowlers reduced them to 28/3 inside six overs. Srijana Chettri led the charge with figures of 2/8, putting the batting side under early pressure.
The innings was steadied by Cheanchi K A Sangma, who produced a crucial counter-attacking knock of 17 off 11 balls, including two boundaries. With support from the lower order and aided by 10 extras, Arbella XI managed to post 63/5 in their allotted 10 overs, a total that appeared below par given Nongalbibra’s strong batting line-up, which included players like Ronjoli Basumatary and Beneros D Shira.
In reply, Nongalbibra Cricket Association looked well on course for victory for much of the chase. Ronjoli Basumatary anchored the innings with a composed 29 runs off 34 balls, while Dianchidora Sangma contributed 22, guiding the side to 41/1 at one point.
However, the match turned in the closing stages as Arbella XI tightened their grip with disciplined bowling. Awesa G Momin and Cheanchi Sangma delivered crucial overs under pressure, restricting scoring opportunities and forcing errors, including the key run-out of Beneros D Shira.
Chasing 64, Nongalbibra fell agonisingly short at 62/3 in 10 overs. Chigesanoara N Marak (1/13) and Awesa (1/12) played key roles with the ball as Arbella XI held their nerve to complete a remarkable upset.
Cheanchi K A Sangma was named Player of the Final for her all-round performance, while Srijana Chettri (Nongalbibra) emerged as the standout bowler of the match.
The result marked a dramatic reversal of fortunes, with Arbella XI overcoming league-stage setbacks to lift the title in what proved to be one of the closest finishes of the tournament.
