Shillong, May 14: Meghalaya marched into the final of the 3rd NECDC Senior Men’s Interstate Friendship Tournament 2025 with a convincing seven-wicket win over Arunachal Pradesh in the semifinal played at the Sovima Cricket Ground on Tuesday.

Choosing to field first, Meghalaya dismissed Arunachal for just 101 runs in 33.1 overs. Manish Sharma starred with the ball, claiming 4 wickets for only 2 runs in 5.1 overs. Ram Gurung (3/21) and Aryan Borah (3/28) also played pivotal roles in dismantling Arunachal’s batting line-up. Neelam Obi top-scored for Arunachal with 28 runs, but the team collapsed after a steady start at 50/1.

Meghalaya chased down the target in 19.3 overs, led by Arpit Bhatewara’s 49 off 39 balls, which included 10 boundaries. He shared a 56-run opening stand with Arien Bonchang Sangma (22). Contributions from skipper Kishan Lyngdoh (13), Nishanta Chakraborty (16*), and Lerry G Sangma (1*) ensured a smooth finish.

The tournament, organized by the Nagaland Cricket Association under the North East Cricket Development Council (NECDC), is a key preparatory event for the BCCI 2025–26 domestic season.

This marks Meghalaya’s first appearance in the final, having fallen short in the previous two editions due to rain-related interruptions. They will now face hosts and defending champions Nagaland in the final on Thursday. Nagaland, who have won both previous editions, beat Manipur by four wickets in the second semifinal.

Earlier in the group stage, Meghalaya topped Group B with victories over Nagaland and Sikkim. Key performers included Jaskirat Singh Sachdeva (67), Arpit Bhatewara (57 and 55*), and bowlers Akash K Choudhary, Abhishek Kumar, Ram Gurung, and Aryan Borah.

The final promises an exciting clash as Meghalaya aim for their maiden title against the reigning champions.