Irises Cricket Club clinches SICA A Division title with 38-run victory over Tathangchen
Lalit Yadav once again shined with the ball, picking up 4 wickets for 37 runs in his 8-over spell, while S. Sarkar (2 wickets for 32 runs in 6 overs) ensured that CAT’s lower order did not build enough partnerships to chase down the target.
SPORTS
Irises Cricket Club, Jorethang, emerged as the champions of the fifth edition of the Sikkim Cricket Association (SICA) A Division Men's Tournament 2025, defeating Cricket Association of Tathangchen (CAT) by 38 runs in the final held at Sikkim Cricket Ground, Rangpo.
The high-stakes 40-over clash saw Irises setting a challenging target of 267/7, powered by a blistering century from Lalit Yadav, who scored 100 off 62 balls with 11 fours and 3 sixes. Yadav’s exceptional all-round performance, which also included a four-wicket haul in eight overs, earned him the Man of the Match and Man of the Tournament awards.
After winning the toss, CAT opted to field first, hoping to take advantage of the morning conditions. However, Irises put up a solid performance, with key partnerships helping them post a competitive total of 267/7 in their allotted 40 overs.
For Cricket Association of Tathangchen (CAT), Akshay Sain was the standout bowler, claiming 3 wickets for 36 runs in 8 overs, while the team managed to contain the opposition in the middle overs.
Chasing 268 for victory, CAT fought hard but fell short, getting bowled out for 229 in 38.2 overs. Parth Palawat led the fightback with a well-crafted 103 off 86 balls, hitting 6 fours and 4 sixes, but lacked enough support from the rest of the batting lineup.
Lalit Yadav once again shined with the ball, picking up 4 wickets for 37 runs in his 8-over spell, while S. Sarkar (2 wickets for 32 runs in 6 overs) ensured that CAT’s lower order did not build enough partnerships to chase down the target.
The 2025 edition of the SICA A Division Men’s Club Tournament saw participation from eight of Sikkim’s top cricket teams, making it a highly competitive event. The tournament, which began on March 16, allowed each team to include three guest players, adding to the intensity of the competition.
With his outstanding performances throughout the tournament, Lalit Yadav was named both the "Man of the Match" and the "Man of the Tournament", solidifying his place as the star performer of the event.