Shillong, Nov 6: An absolute bowlers’ day led to the fall of 16 wickets on the first day of the Ranji Trophy 2024-25 Elite Group A match between Meghalaya and Jammu & Kashmir at the MCA Ground, Polo, here, with the visitors holding a 52-run lead.
At stumps J&K were 125/6 after bowling out Meghalaya for 73.
J&K won the toss and, hoping to take advantage of slightly overcast conditions, fielded first. However, Meghalaya’s batters had other ideas and Bamanbha Shangpliang and Arpit Bhatewara demonstrated real class, patience and finesse to bat out the first hour, enduring both pace and spin.
The pair eventually put on 53 before the visitors could break the opening partnership, with Bamanbha bowled by spinner Abid Mushtaq for 21. Abid claimed Arpit’s wicket for 24, also bowled, in his next over and Meghalaya then suffered a dramatic collapse, losing all 10 wickets for 20 runs.
Abid finished with 5/19 and fast bowler Auqib Nabi bagged 5/9 after the pacer began to find help from the pitch.
The good bowling conditions continued into the day, with lead Meghalaya bowler Akash Kumar Choudhary taking three wickets, the fast bowler finishing the day with 3/39 in 15 overs.
Despite this, the visitors were able to overhaul Meghalaya’s small total by the end of the second session. Meghalaya continued to make it a challenge, though, and a further three wickets fell by the time bad light stopped play early.
Pacers Ram Gurung took 1/13 in 4 overs and Dippu Sangma 1/49 in 11, while left-arm spinner Aryan Borah also found success to end with 1/20 in 6.
Abdul Samad was J&K’s best batter, hitting three massive sixes in his entertaining knock of 34 from 34 balls before he was out to Dippu.
The hosts will hope to press on and pick off the remaining batters as quickly as possible tomorrow to try and ensure J&K’s first innings lead does not become overwhelming.
(Meghalaya Cricket Association photo. Meghalaya’s Ram Gurung celebrates after taking a wicket)
