Bud Challenge

Guwahati, Jan. 6: Champ Cricket Club, Imphal, today pulled off an unexpected three-wicket victory over Silchar Cricket Coaching Centre to march into the quarterfinals of the 6th Bud Challenge Jugal Kishore Newatia invitation cricket meet played at Nehru Stadium.

Chasing a stiff target of 256, the Imphal men reached 257 for seven in 39.1 overs with M. Todiba scoring a half-century off 37 balls. He hit four fours and two sixes in his 52-run knock and was adjudged the Man of the Match.

Asked to bat first, the Silchar boys rode a 78-run eighth wicket partnership off 42 balls between Arindam Chakraborty and Bishal Tiwari to pile up 255 for eight in 40 overs. Chakraborty scored 47 while Tiwari remained not out on 31. Masarab Hussain Laskar chipped in with 49 while Biswajit Bhattacharjee made 43.

For Champ Club, U. Robinson topscored with 59 (7x4).

River Rine Club will play host and last year’s runners-up Bud Cricket Club in a quarterfinal match tomorrow.