7th MNCA Plate TournamentRRCC register fifth win but miss semi-final berth, OSCAR win to raise semi-final hopes

By Our Staff Reporter
IMPHAL, Jan 28 : RRCC-Churachandpur had to settle for the third place in MNCA Plate Tournament Group B table despite sealing their fifth win today against YAC-Yaiskul at  Luwangpokpa Cricket Stadium.
The win put RRCC on level  points (10) with AKSDO but the latter team edged in terms of Net Run Rate to seal the semi-final berth along with runaway Group A leaders NAPSA-Kha Imphal.
YAC won the toss and opted to bat first today. They were however bowled out for a meagre total of 91 runs in 29.3 overs as RRCC's Thangkhopao (3/1 in 4 overs) and Louriyam Elan (3/29 in 8 overs) wreaked havoc. RRCC then chased down the target in  15.3 overs riding on Louriyam Elan (34) and Haojalen Kipgen (42).
John Oinam (26) and Amit Maisnam (15) were the only double digit scorers for YAC in their innings which also saw Haojalen Kipgen, Letkhotinthang, Louriyam Thingo and Moirangthem Rameshwor picking up a wicket each. Pukhrambam Priyokumar and Abocha Laishram of YAC managed to scalp two wickets each in RRCC's innings.
Louriyam Elan who produced an allround performance was adjudged man of the match.
Elsewhere at Model Hr Secondary and Oriental College ground, OSCAR defeated KCDO by 4 wickets for the fifth win to climb to second in Group B table by dislodging SSU and remain in the hunt for semi-final.
KCDO who won the toss and opted to bat first posted a moderate total of 144 runs for all wickets down in 30.1 overs  as OSCAR bowlers made their life hard with stupendous bowling performances. OSCAR then chased down the target in 25.3 overs with 4 wickets left in hands.
KCDO lost three wickets within 5 overs and were further reduced to 99 for 8 in 20.5 overs as Boocker Kangjam (3/40) removed three including two top order batters and Sorokhaibam Samson (3/34) claimed another three wickets-4th, 5th and 6th, in quick succession.
Ziaur Rahaman (52 off 54 balls) however put up a late fight back with a half century before he was removed by Nongmaithem Bijendro for the 10th wicket to return with bowling figures of 2/40 in 6.1 overs.
Zenith Nongmaithem also picked up two wickets to contribute KCDO's collapse.
In reply, OSCAR relied on significant knocks from Sanjit Thounaojam (25) and Khruso (35 not out) and 41 extras spilled by KCDO bowlers to post a winning 145 in 25.3 overs.
Ziaur Rahaman of KCDO claimed two wickets in this innings as his team mates, Bikram Phamdom and Harrydutta Hidangmayum fetched a wicket each.
Sorokhaibam Samson who ran riot with a three wicket haul and added 14 runs in the chase, was adjudged man of the match.
Tomorrow's Matches
IBSA vs SSU at Luwangpokpa Cricket Stadium
YAC vs NAPSA at Model Hr Secondary School and Oriental College ground