NFRSA and Guwahati share Nuruddin title

Online Staff/GUWAHATI, June 10: A heroic unbeaten knock from Sibsankar Roy, combined with a determined effort from tail-ender Krishna Das, ensured that Guwahati and NFRSA shared the Nuruddin Senior Inter-District Cricket title, as the match at Nehru Stadium ended in a draw. With both teams unable to complete their first innings, they were declared joint winners.
The final, unfortunately, was marred by rain, with the first two days of play completely washed out. The weather disruption led to a shortened contest, but both teams displayed remarkable resilience under challenging conditions.
NFRSA, chasing 212 for a first-innings lead, found themselves on the back foot early in their innings, losing wickets at regular intervals. Sibsankar, coming in at number 4, held one end steady, but struggled to find support from the rest of the batters. Apart from Krishna Das and Kunal Saikia, none of the other NFRSA batters were able to stay on the wickets for a longer period.
At one point, NFRSA were in deep trouble at 40-5. However, the partnership between Sibsankar and Kunal gave them some hope, as they added 48 crucial runs for the sixth wicket before Kunal was dismissed for 8. Guwahati quickly capitalized, reducing NFRSA to 102-8, leaving them just two wickets away from victory. But Krishna Das stood firm, showing great resilience at the crease, and provided steady support to Sibsankar. Their 24.1 overs partnership on 9th-wicket helped NFRSA avoid defeat, allowing them to share the title with Guwahati.
Sibsankar's knock was a patient and crucial one. The southpaw remained unbeaten on 95 after spending 312 minutes at the crease, facing 240 balls. His knock included eight boundaries and two sixes. Krishna Das, the other not-out batter, contributed 9 runs, the second-highest score in the innings. Opener Jacky Ali also made 9 before being dismissed.
For Guwahati, Rohit Singh was the standout bowler, finishing with figures of 3-35. He received solid support from Abdul Ajij Kuraishi and Kunal Sarma, who both picked up two wickets apiece.
Earlier, Guwahati resumed their first innings at 182-7 and added 29 more runs before being bowled out for 211. NFRSA's captain, Swarupam Purkayastha, was the most impressive bowler in the match, claiming 5-61. Deepak Gohain and Abhilash Gogoi were also among the wickets, taking two each.
The award ceremony was attended by ACA Joint Secretary Rajendra Singh, ACA Treasurer Chiranjit Langthasa, Guwahati Sports Association President Paresh Chandra Das, along with other officials and former cricketers.
Brief score: Guwahati (1st Innings): 211/10 in 91 overs (Saahil Jain 58, Sumit Ghadigaonkar 34; Swarupam Purkayastha 5/61, Abhilash Gogoi 2/39). NFRSA (1st Innings): 145/8 in 85 overs (Sibsankar Roy not out 95; Rohit Singh 3/35, Abdul Ajij Kuraishi 2/15, Kunal Sharma 2/31.
AWARDS:
Player of the match (final): Sibsankar Roy (NFRSA)
Best bowler: Rohit Singh (Guwahati).
Best batter: Sibsankar Roy (NFRSA).
Player of the tournament: Abhilash Gogoi (NFRSA).
IMAGE CAPTION: Captain of Guwahati Sibham Mandal and captain of NFRSA Swarupam Purkayastha (right) collecting Nuruddin trophy jointly from GSA president Paresh Chandra Das and Treasurer of ACA Chiranjit Langthasa.