Aloto Sumi receives the ‘Player of the Match’ certificate after the semi-final match between Chümoukedima and Kohima held at the Nagaland Cricket Stadium, Chumoukedima on April 22.
Chümoukedima, April 22 (MExN): Dimapur and Chümoukedima registered convincing victories in their respective semi-finals to advance to the final of the Senior Men’s Inter-District Tournament 2026.
In the first semi-final played at Sovima Cricket Ground, Dimapur defeated Niuland by 47 runs in a disciplined all-round performance.
Opting to bat first, Dimapur were bowled out for 175 in 41.3 overs, with Samir Ali scoring 36 off 55 balls and Anirudh Yadav contributing 30 off 54 in a steady innings. Niuland’s bowlers kept things tight, led by Vino G Zhimomi, who returned impressive figures of 4/19 in 10 overs, while Sujal Prasad Thakur provided excellent support with 2/3 in 3 overs.
In reply, Niuland were restricted to 128 all out in 39.4 overs, failing to build momentum in the chase. Hokaito Zhimomi top-scored with 27 off 53 balls but lacked support from the rest of the batting line-up.
Dimapur’s bowlers delivered a disciplined effort, with Joshua Ben Ozukum leading the attack with 4/19 in 6 overs, supported by Yashimeren Jamir (2/28) and Tahmeed (2/40). “Our bowlers stuck to their plans and executed well under pressure,” a team source said.
Joshua Ben Ozukum was named Player of the Match for his match-winning spell.
In the second semi-final at the Nagaland Cricket Stadium, Chümoukedima outclassed Kohima by 126 runs in a high-scoring encounter.
Batting first, Chümoukedima piled up 315 all out in 50 overs, riding on a superb 127 off 133 balls from Aloto Sumi. He was well supported by Yugi, who scored 64 off 69 deliveries, as the team built a commanding total. For Kohima, Peter (3/67) and Imomenba (3/41) were the standout bowlers, while Lanasunep Jamir chipped in with 2/47.
Chasing a daunting target, Kohima were bowled out for 189 in 45.3 overs despite resistance from Seyievizo Zaputou (39 off 74) and Zidu (27 off 36). Chümoukedima’s bowlers dominated proceedings, with Imliwati returning figures of 4/21 in 10 overs, while Jonathan Rongsen provided crucial breakthroughs with 3/49. “It was a complete team effort with both bat and ball,” a team official said. Aloto Sumi was adjudged Player of the Match for his century.
Dimapur and Chümoukedima will now face off in the final on April 24 at the Nagaland Cricket Stadium, setting up an exciting title clash as the tournament reaches its concluding stage.
