Sikkim: Alpine SC clinches 2025 Vinod Pradhan Trophy with convincing win over Yuksom Capitals
Alpine SC was awarded a trophy and a cash prize of Rs. 1 lakh, while the runners-up Yuksom Capitals received Rs. 50,000. Nilesh Lamichaney, who played a pivotal role in Alpine’s innings, won both the Player of the Match and Highest Scorer awards.
LOCAL
Sikkim Cricket Ground, Mining, witnessed an exciting conclusion to the 2025 Vinod Pradhan Trophy on 15th February, as Alpine SC emerged victorious for the second consecutive year by defeating Yuksom Capitals by 32 runs in the final.
Yuksom Capitals, having won the toss, elected to bowl first under overcast skies. However, their bowling attack, which had dismantled CAT for a mere 71 runs in the semi-finals, failed to replicate its success against Alpine. Early on, Yuksom Capitals managed a breakthrough, dismissing opener Anwesh Sharma cheaply. However, Alpine’s experienced Ashish Thapa (32) and Nilesh Lamichaney built a solid 53-run second-wicket partnership. After Thapa’s departure, Lamichaney, who scored a commanding 60, was supported by Arun Chettri (29). Amit Rajera added a quick 18 runs, helping Alpine reach a competitive total of 158/3 in 20 overs.
Chasing 159 for victory, Yuksom Capitals faltered early, losing both openers for just six runs. Their batting lineup struggled to build momentum as Alpine’s bowlers kept taking regular wickets. Tarun Sharma led the Alpine attack, taking 3 wickets for just 15 runs. Yuksom Capitals were eventually bowled out 32 runs short of their target.
Alpine SC was awarded a trophy and a cash prize of Rs. 1 lakh, while the runners-up Yuksom Capitals received Rs. 50,000. Nilesh Lamichaney, who played a pivotal role in Alpine’s innings, won both the Player of the Match and Highest Scorer awards. Yuksom Capitals’ Rahul Kumar earned the Player of the Tournament title, and teammate Adil Alam secured the Highest Wicket Taker award.
The final was graced by chief guest Prabha Pradhan Chettri, Zilla Upadhakshya, Pakyong. Guests of honour included Mr. Phurba Wangdi Bhutia, MD, State Bank of Sikkim, and Mr. Mani Kumar Pradhan, brother of the late Vinod Pradhan. Other notable attendees were Mrs. Sujata Subba, SDM, Rangpo; Mr. Mahendra Subba, SDPO, Rangpo; and Mr. Neeraj Khatiwada, SHO, Rangpo Police Station.
The 2025 Vinod Pradhan Trophy featured eight teams divided into two groups. Each team faced all other teams in its group once. The top two teams from each group advanced to the semi-finals, where Group A winners played the Group B runners-up and vice versa.