5th Naorem Rajningthou Memorial Trophy TRAU outlast defending champions RCA by 6 wickets, to meet PCC in title clash

By Our Staff Reporter
IMPHAL, Jan 8 : TRAU, Kwakeithel pulled off a 6-wicket win over defending champions RCA, Lilong in a rain-curtailed semi-final match of the 5th MNCA U-16 Boys Naorem  Rajningthou Memorial Trophy at Khudeiband Lampak, Taothong.
They will now face PCC, Mayaikoibi, who have beaten ESU, Wangkhei Palace Compound yesterday in the first semi-final match, in the title clash. The final date is yet to be announced.
RCA won the toss and opted to bat first today but were dismissed cheaply for 87 runs in 20.4 overs.
With rain affecting the match, the second innings was reduced to 21 overs with a revised target of 68 runs which TRAU reached in 16.5 overs with 6 wickets left to spare.
Syed Sami Ul 23, Nawaz Sarif 14, Heibokmayum Albaz 13 and Md Samir Khan 12 made double digit run getters for RCA today as Preethson Arubam (3/25) and Mutum Swabhiman (3/12) and Ringku Moirangthem (2/9) ran riot the subdue RCA batters cheaply including three on ducks.
In reply, TRAU had a stuttering start losing 3 wickets in 6 overs with only 21 runs on the scoreboard before being reduced to 33 for 4 in 9.5 overs as Zuned produced an impressive bowling performance. Mutum Swabhiman 18 and Preethson Arubam 17 however stood firm to steer TRAU to winning 68 by forging an unbeaten 35-run partnership.
Zuned returned with the best bowling figures of 2/11 in 4.5 overs for RCA as Nawaz Sarif 1/19 and Heibokmayum Albaz Hussain 1/12 chipped in with a wicket apiece.
Mutum Swabhiman was adjudged player of the match.