The 1st edition of the North East Little Masters Trophy 2025 kicked off in style as Meghalaya’s Under-14 cricket team clinched a solid win against Mizoram in the tournament opener. Held at the Assam Cricket Association’s facility in Guwahati, the match showcased promising young talent and set an exciting tone for the rest of the competition.
This tournament is a dedicated platform for budding cricketers across the eight northeastern states of India, aimed at promoting grassroots development in the sport. With the participation of teams from Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim, and Tripura, the event marks a major step in strengthening regional representation in national cricket circuits.
Solid Start by Meghalaya
Meghalaya won the toss and chose to bat first under pleasant morning conditions. The young squad started cautiously, gauging the pace of the wicket, before opening up with aggressive intent. Their top order provided a steady foundation, with a well-paced 38-run knock by opener Brendan Nongsiej, supported by a valuable 27 from middle-order batter Riban Kharsyntiew.
Despite a few quick wickets in the middle overs, Meghalaya managed to put up a competitive total of 158 runs in 25 overs. The finishing touches were applied by tailenders who chipped in with quick singles and boundaries in the final three overs.
Mizoram’s Faltering Chase
Mizoram, facing the pressure of chasing under overcast skies, began their innings on a shaky note. Meghalaya’s opening bowler Gideon Lyngdoh struck early, removing both Mizoram openers within the first three overs. From there, the pressure only mounted.
Mizoram’s middle order, led by Lalthanhlira and Lalhmingsanga, tried to anchor the innings with a brief 35-run partnership, but disciplined bowling and tight fielding from Meghalaya kept the scoring in check. Left-arm spinner Banraplang Kharkongor turned out to be the game-changer, picking up 3 crucial wickets in his four-over spell, completely derailing Mizoram’s chase.
Eventually, Mizoram were bowled out for 122 in 22.3 overs, falling short by 36 runs.
A Moment of Pride
This victory is a proud moment for the Meghalaya Cricket Association and the team’s coaching staff, who have been investing heavily in scouting and training young cricketers, especially in rural districts. Head coach Synrapsing Riahtam and his team were visibly elated at the performance, noting that this was not just a win, but a sign of growing cricket culture in Meghalaya.
The young squad underwent rigorous training camps in Nongkhrah, Ri-Bhoi, and the focus on mental preparation and discipline showed clearly in their on-field performance.
What’s Next
Meghalaya will next face Arunachal Pradesh in their second league match, while Mizoram will look to bounce back against a strong Assam team. The group stage will be crucial in determining semi-finalists, with the top two teams from each group moving forward.
The tournament itself is being hailed as a milestone initiative. It is not only giving children a chance to experience competitive cricket but also promoting regional unity through sport. With matches being held under the guidance of BCCI-affiliated coaches and umpires, the standard of play and organization is already drawing attention.
A New Era of North East Cricket
The North East Little Masters Trophy is more than just a tournament — it’s a vision. A vision where future Indian cricketers rise from the hills of Nagaland, the valleys of Manipur, the forests of Mizoram, and the plateaus of Meghalaya. If the opening match is anything to go by, the future is bright, and these young players are just getting started.