Guwahati , April 24 (MExN): Nagaland secured a thumping 114-run win over Sikkim in their group stage match of the 1st NE Little Masters Trophy 2025, held at the ACA Stadium Ground in Barsapara on Thursday.
Choosing to bat first after winning the toss, Nagaland posted a competitive 172 for 7 in their allotted 40 overs. The innings was anchored by Sangtsulen Tshunherii, who played a measured knock of 38 off 103 deliveries. He was supported by Ayan Shaikh, who contributed a brisk 22 from 32 balls in the middle overs.
Sikkim’s Raunak Yadav delivered a standout bowling performance, picking up 3 wickets for just 21 runs in 8 overs, applying consistent pressure on Nagaland’s lineup.
In reply, Sikkim faltered early and never recovered, bundled out for a meager 58 in 19 overs. Only Raunak Yadav managed to reach double figures, remaining unbeaten on 17 off 49 balls, as the rest of the lineup collapsed under a disciplined Nagaland bowling attack. Yuhemba led the bowling charge with 4 wickets for 26 runs in 6 overs, while Eric Rupreo delivered an outstanding spell, conceding just 6 runs in 5 overs and picking up 2 wickets. His economical and incisive bowling earned him the Player of the Match award.
The emphatic win marks Nagaland’s first in the tournament and sends a strong signal to the other teams in contention. The 1st NE Little Masters Trophy, being held in Guwahati, showcases young cricketing talent from across Northeast India. Nagaland’s next fixture is scheduled for April 25 against Tripura at the ACA CA Ground in North Guwahati. The match will begin at 9:00 AM.
