Meghalaya became the first team to qualify for the Final in the U-16 Boys Vijay Merchant Trophy by defeating Nagaland by 72 runs in Bhubaneswar today. Meghalaya can meet either Manipur or Mizoram in the title match with their semifinal going into the third day. Apandanka Marak carried on his incredible form to bag 5 wickets for 45 runs in 11 overs as Nagaland were dismissed in their second innings in 92 runs. Apandanka had grabbed 6 for 40 in the first innings to give him combined match figures of 11 for 85 in what was a brilliant performance for Meghalaya’s go to opening bowler.
Aashish Kumar Lohar scored 57 runs as Meghalaya improved their run rate on their first innings score by just one run to be all out for 124 runs. Aashish also did well from the last time as he was dismissed in 34 in Meghalaya’s first innings and he embraced to the conditions best for the second time. He and Gaurav Jyoti Thakuria (18) put on 57 for the sixth wicket to help the team get out of a difficult position when they were 47 of 5. With their 40 run first innings lead, Meghalaya thus set Nagaland 165 to win. Even this modest target was too much for ask and Nagaland were all out for 92.
Meghalaya now wait to see who will be their opponents in the final that is Manipur or Mizoram. Meghalaya had beaten the later in the round robin stage but Manipur are currently in a stronger position going into the last day of their semifinal. Manipur had beaten Meghalaya during the group stage but is delighted by their fantastic success against Nagaland with whom they had drawn against in the earlier round, Meghalaya would like to welcome a chance for a rematch.
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