Shillong, June 25: Achura CC produced a commanding all-round performance to defeat Prodigies by 113 runs to lift the trophy of the inaugural edition of the South West Garo Hills District Cricket League, organised by the South West Garo Hills District Cricket Association, at Ampati on Wednesday.
After being asked to bat, Achura CC posted an imposing 239/8 in their allotted 30 overs before bundling out Prodigies for 126 in 25.2 overs to clinch the championship.
The foundation of Achura’s innings was laid by opener Jangkar Monin, who played a match-winning knock of 72 off 57 deliveries. His explosive innings featured two boundaries and seven sixes.
He received support from Sengsrang K Sangma, who struck 39 off 33 balls with five fours and two sixes, while Lerry G Sangma added a brisk 40 from 29 deliveries, including four boundaries and two sixes. Frickey Sangma contributed a patient 32 off 40 balls as Achura built partnerships throughout the innings.
Useful late-order contributions, along with 25 extras, helped Achura finish on 239/8.
For Prodigies, Nikrang Sangma and Johny S Marak were the most successful bowlers, claiming three wickets each. Roberth Sangma and Denikcheng Marak chipped in with a wicket each.
Chasing a daunting target of 240, Prodigies never managed to establish a substantial partnership despite a few promising contributions. Jamesbirth Sangma top-scored with 35 off 33 balls, hitting four boundaries and a six, while Johny S Marak made 26 off 44 deliveries. Bonkam Marak scored 16, Roberth Sangma struck a quickfire 15 off just five balls with two sixes, and Tengchong added 10.
However, regular wickets prevented Prodigies from building momentum, and the innings ended at 126 in 25.2 overs.
Agreas Cham Cham Sangma was the pick of the bowlers for Achura, claiming four wickets. He dismissed Bonkam Marak, Nikrang Sangma, Jamesbirth Sangma and Thunun Marak. He was well supported by Lerry G Sangma, who took the wickets of Johny S Marak, Gracebin M Sangma and Dalam Ch Marak. Bosrang Marak and Lomo Marak chipped in with a wicket each to seal a comprehensive victory.
For his match-winning innings of 72 runs, Jangkar Monin was named Man of the Match. Monin also walked away with the Man of the Series award after amassing 203 runs in just four matches.
The closing ceremony was attended by Rajya Sabha Member of Parliament, James Pangsang K. Sangma, as the Chief Guest. Guests of Honour included Subir M. Marak, MLA of 52-Rangsakona; former GHADC CEM Dipul Marak; the Deputy Commissioner of South West Garo Hills; the Superintendent of Police, Ampati; former Meghalaya Cricket Association Joint Secretary Cheang D. Shira; and the District Sports Officer.
The occasion was particularly significant as it marked the first public sporting event attended by James Sangma as Chief Guest after assuming office as a Rajya Sabha Member of Parliament.
Addressing the gathering, the dignitaries lauded the South West Garo Hills District Cricket Association for successfully organising the district’s inaugural league and emphasised the importance of creating more competitive opportunities to nurture young cricketers across the region.
