Defending champions United Brothers CC opened their campaign with a 4-wicket win over Trebuchet CC, while Titans CC edged past Tritons CC by three runs through the DLS method in a rain-affected second match on the opening day of the 34th Mokokchung District Cricket Association (MDCA) Inter Club Cricket Tournament 2026.

In the first match, Trebuchet CC opted to bat first after winning the toss and posted 162/7 in 20 overs. Temsuwati Jamir anchored the innings with 54 runs off 39 balls, while Ganesh Sharmah contributed a quick 30 off 11 balls, hitting three sixes. Wicketkeeper Imlitemjen also added 25 runs from 16 deliveries. For United Brothers, skipper Nripen Rai took two wickets but conceded 34 runs in three overs, while Mughavi Sumi, Chubamaong, Hem and Arjun Rai claimed one wicket each.

Chasing the target, United Brothers suffered an early collapse as Imnayanger dismantled the top order. He bowled Tiasunep for 6 in the first over and later removed Daniel Rai (2), Mughavi Sumi (8) and skipper Nripen Rai for a duck, reducing the defending champions to 25/4 in the fifth over.

Despite the setback, Hem steadied the innings with 58 runs from 43 balls, striking nine boundaries and a six. Imnatoshi added 26 runs, while Merenkaba (47 off 27) and Imtisunep (11 off 8) remained unbeaten to guide United Brothers to victory with 10 balls to spare. Imnayanger finished with 4/34 for Trebuchet, while Ganesh Sharmah picked up 2/36.

The second match between Titans CC and Tritons CC was affected by weather and eventually decided through the DLS method, with Titans winning by three runs.

Earlier, Tritons CC chose to bat first but lost an early wicket when Arjun Kumar Yadav dismissed Hiketo Aye off the second ball of the innings. Moatemsu further put pressure on Tritons by removing Meyisanen and Shamphri Terang in successive deliveries in the second over. Despite the early setbacks, Temjenmeren scored 44 off 20 balls, while Anoksangba added 39 from 38 balls and Nokchasangba contributed 18 off 35, helping Tritons reach 151/6 in 20 overs. For Titans, Moatemsu claimed two wickets, while Yadav, Vijay Rai, Odilemba and Rongsenwati picked up one wicket each.

Titans’ chase was interrupted by adverse weather conditions with the team at 120/6 in 15.3 overs. Arjun Kumar Yadav was unbeaten on 56 off 31 balls, supported by Manen on 12 off 9, after the Titans’ top order had collapsed with none of the other batsmen reaching double digits. Sensosang and Chubaodang took three wickets each for Tritons.

Earlier during the inaugural programme, ADC Mokokchung and CEO MMC Atsungba Walling attended as the special guest. Addressing the gathering, he said that the dream of a young boy playing cricket on a small town ground and aspiring to compete on a larger stage is no longer unrealistic, noting that cricket in India offers wide opportunities both on and off the field.

Walling also congratulated the MDCA for sustaining the tournament over the years despite logistical and infrastructure constraints. Recalling his own participation in the tournament while representing Zircon CC in the 1990s, he said the annual competition was once a major sporting event in Mokokchung, which attracted more than 20 teams including several from rural areas.

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However, while the overall management and quality of the Mokokchung District Cricket Association (MDCA) tournament have improved over the years, including areas such as umpiring and scorekeeping, the number of participating teams has declined significantly. Earlier, more than 20 teams, including several from rural areas, used to take part in the annual tournament, whereas only five teams are competing in the current edition.

Speaking at the inaugural programme, MDCA president Imlikumzuk Longkumer informed that the association, under the aegis of the Nagaland Cricket Association (NCA), is currently constructing an all-weather practice pitch to strengthen cricket infrastructure in the district. He also expressed gratitude to the NCA, the district administration, the Mokokchung District Sports Council (MDSC) and the landowners for their support and cooperation.

Longkumer further noted that the Nagaland Cricket Association has been a full member of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) since 2018, which has enabled Nagaland to host and participate in BCCI-sanctioned tournaments across several categories, including Men’s U-16, U-19, U-23 and women’s competitions. Since making its domestic debut in the Vijay Hazare Trophy in September 2018, Nagaland teams have been competing regularly in BCCI domestic tournaments.

In view of the declining participation at the district level, the MDCA is also considering introducing a 35+ cricket series for players above 35 years of age. The initiative, though yet to be formalised, is expected to provide a competitive platform for former players and help revive interest in the sport while strengthening the local cricket fan base.

To encourage a balance between promoting local talent and maintaining competitive standards, the MDCA allows each participating team to include two outstation players in the playing XI. Cricket enthusiasts can follow the tournament through live match updates on cricheroes.com.