Senior Women's T-20 League 2021-22Kalpana, Monica sizzle as Manipur notch up 36 run victory against Sikkim

By Our Staff Reporter
IMPHAL, Apr 15 : Manipur kicked off their Senior Women's T-20 League 2021 Plate group campaign with a 36 run victory over Sikkim at Amingaon Cricket Ground, Guwahati today.
After a masterful half century knock by Kalpana for Manipur, bowling attack led by Monica proved fruitful and eventually helped Manipur seal the opening match victory.
After winning the toss Manipur got off to a solid start and gave Sikkim a target of 133 runs for 6 in 17 overs (shortened) as Loidangton and Kalpana forged a significant 70 run first wicket partnership off 54 balls before Loidangton was run out on 31 with the completion of 9 overs.
Sikkim bowlers then slowly took control of the game but Kalpana held on and carried forward the innings smashing 9 fours and 1 six on the way to her 51- ball 77 despite seeing hers partners - Ganga W (6), Linthoingambi RK (11), Milan Y (1) and Monica (2) fell cheaply in regular intervals.
Pranita C who removed Kalpana for the 6th and the last wicket emerged as the pick of the Sikkim bowlers as she finished with a three wicket haul for 21 runs in 4 overs while Purniya Maya Guruny fetched a wicket for 15 runs in 2 overs.
In reply, Sikkim looked promising early on but it took a huge turn when Samayita was run out for 27 by Chingkhei M when the scoreboard read 42 in the second delivery of the 6th over.
Manipur's Monica then trapped Rinki Rajak (2) and Purni Maya Guruny (0) lbw in two consecutive balls in the 8th over (3rd and 4th ball) before dismissing Jetsun for 1 to reduce Sikkim to 53-4.
Sikkim slump continues with Chingkhei M removing Tshering Ongmu Lepcha (1) and Tabita Subba (4) and Milan Y removing stubborn Manizha Mumtaz (29) and Tshering Yangden Lepcha (19) to restrict Sikkim to 97 for 9 at the end.
Monica returned with the best bowling figures of 3/12 in 3 overs as Milan Y (2/22) and Chingkhei M (2/24) managed two wickets apiece in their spell of 4 overs each. Niruta also picked a wicket for 16 runs in 3 overs.
Manipur will play Nagaland in the next match tomorrow at ACA Stadium, Barsapara, Guwahati.