Shillong, Dec 9: Holding their nerve when it mattered most, Meghalaya snatched a one-run victory in a sensational contest against Bihar in the Plate Group of the Vijay Hazare Trophy one day tournament in Jaipur today.
Having posted 273/5, led by Chirag Khurana’s unbeaten 117, in their 50 overs, Meghalaya bowled out the opposition for 272 off the final delivery after Bihar came incredibly close to winning but fell at the final hurdle.
Five of the Bihar batters were run out as they scampered towards the stiff target set by Meghalaya. Although Bihar were in a bit of difficulty at 191/7 in the 39th over, S Gani’s 94 took them closer to victory. Had he remained at the crease, Bihar would have likely won the match but he fell to the bowling of Akash Kumar Chaudhary, who had him caught by Dippu Sangma.
At that stage Bihar needed another 20 to win from 14 balls remaining – a difficult but achievable task.
Sixteen runs came off the next 11 deliveries, leaving four required off three but two further run outs left Bihar stranded one run short of a tie and two short of victory.
Five Meghalaya bowlers claimed a wicket each – Dippu (1/41), Khurana (1/43), Ram Gurung (1/44), Chengkam Sangma (1/47) and Chaudhary (1/51). Two of the run outs were effected by Kishan Lyngdoh, with Dippu, Lerry Sangma and Ravi Teja accounting for one each.
Earlier, guest professional Khurana carried his bat in an unbeaten 117 off 120 deliveries, his second century in consecutive days. In all he hit 10 fours and two sixes, and was involved in a 62-run opening stand with Lyngdoh (31) and a partnership of 144 for the third wicket with fellow guest professional Punit Bisht (75 off 79 balls).
After two wins on the trot, Meghalaya will get a day’s rest before next facing Manipur on Saturday.
(Meghalaya Cricket Association file photo)
