Pakyong, May 5: The Cricket Association of Tathangchen (CAT) emerged champions of the 2026 Vinod Pradhan Trophy, defeating Alpine Sporting Club (ASC) by 34 runs in an exciting final of the SICA 'A' Division tournament played at the Sikkim Cricket Ground, Mining. The victory marked a memorable conclusion to the third edition of the tournament, which honours the legacy of Late Shri Vinod Pradhan, former President of the Sikkim Cricket Association.
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| Cricket Association of Tathangchen players receive the Vinod Pradhan Trophy 2026 after defeating Alpine Sporting Club in the final at Mining Ground, Pakyong. (Image: DIO Pakyong) |
Opting to bat first, CAT posted a competitive total of 230 runs in 77.3 overs. The innings was built around valuable contributions from Lee Yong Lepcha (49), Parth Palawat (46), Aamir Iqbal Bhutia (38), and Roshan Kumar Prasad (36). Despite the steady batting performance, Alpine Sporting Club bowlers fought back impressively, with Proloy Banerjee producing a brilliant five-wicket haul. Banerjee, along with Amit Rajera, claimed a combined nine wickets to restrict CAT to a manageable total.
Chasing 231 for victory, Alpine Sporting Club was bowled out for 196 runs in 66.1 overs despite a remarkable unbeaten 105 by Anwesh K. Sharma and a valuable 55 from Gurinder Singh. However, the rest of the batting line-up struggled against CAT's disciplined bowling attack.
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The standout performer for CAT was Subham Sharma, who delivered a match-winning spell of 5 wickets for 55 runs, dismantling Alpine SC's batting order. He received excellent support from Abhishek Kumar and Akshay Sain, who claimed two wickets each.
For his outstanding bowling performance in the final, Subham Sharma was adjudged Player of the Match. Akshay Sain was named both Player of the Tournament and Highest Wicket Taker, while Naushad Shaikh of Majhitar Sporting Club finished as the tournament's Highest Run Scorer.
The prize distribution ceremony was graced by Soreng-Chakung MLA Aditya Golay as Chief Guest, along with Dr. Sunita Pradhan and other distinguished guests. CAT received the championship trophy along with a cash prize of ₹3 lakh, while runners-up Alpine Sporting Club were awarded ₹2 lakh and a trophy. The tournament featured eight teams and, for the first time, was played in a two-day, 90-over format, adding greater competitiveness to Sikkim's premier domestic cricket competition.
