GUWAHATI, June 25 - Defending champions Guwahati stormed into the final of the Nuruddin Ahmed Trophy Senior Inter District Cricket Tournament trouncing Nagaon by an innings and 49 runs.
In a low-scoring semifinal of the championship played at the Barpeta DSA ground in Barpeta today, Nagaon were skittled out for 61 in the first innings (20.2 overs) and 23 in the second (8.5 overs). In between, Guwahati scored 133 in their first innings in 27 overs. The two-day match ended in one day. It was toothless batting by Nagaon batsmen. However, most of the players have blamed the wicket which was not at all suitable for a semifinal match of such magnitude. In the quarterfinal match between Barpeta and Bongaigaon, the wicket played a nasty role as no batsman could apply themselves properly. Cricket lovers believe that the Assam Cricket Association should look after the matter seriously if they have to spot talent from such tournaments.
Brief scores: Nagaon 1st Innings 61 (Bhaskarjyoti Konwar 18; Riyan Parag 6/28, Avinav Chaudhary 2/30). Guwahati 1st Innings 133 (Rahul Hazarika 27, Bikash Chetry 22; Chanakya Sarma 4/48, Amit Sinha 4/30, Bichitra Baruah 2/27). Nagaon 2nd Innings 23 (Chanakya Sarma 10; Abu Nechim Ahmed 6/10, Riyan Parag 2/12).
At Judges� Field: In the other semifinal in Guwahati, NF Railway were all out for 166 in 50 overs in their first innings against Barpeta and at the end of the first day�s play Barpeta were 82 for the loss of three wickets.
NFRSA 1st Innings 166 (Sib Sankar Roy 50, Kunal Saikia 39, Parvez Aziz 24; Pritish Raha Roy 4/32, Hridip Deka 2/27, Hirock Jyoti Das 2/37). Barpeta 1st Innings 82/3 (Bishal Saha 52 n.o.; Sarupam Purkayastha 2/15).
