Ranji Trophy 2023-2024: Nagaland trail Arunachal Pradesh by 98 runs at stumps

DIMAPUR — Playing their last qualifying match of the ongoing Ranji Trophy 2023-2024 at home, Nagaland were off to a promising start on Friday by bundling out Arunachal Pradesh for just 124 runs in 39.1 overs.

Electing to bat first after winning the toss on first day of the 4-day Test, Arunachal Pradesh’s batting line-up collapsed like ninepins. Doria was the highest contributor for the team with 21 runs, followed by V Jaiswal and Happy Kashyap (16 runs each), Odi (15), Kuman Nyumpu (13), and 10 runs each from Suraj Tayam and Ramesh Solanki, updated Nagaland Cricket Association (NCA).

Khrievitso Kense took 4 wickets for Nagaland in just 5 overs, while Karan Tewatiya, Jaganath Sinivas and Imliwati Lemtur claimed 2 wickets apiece. Lemtur also scripted history by becoming the first bowler from North East Zone to pick up 100 first class wickets, days after Jonathan Rongsen became the first from North East Zone to reach 2000+ runs in first class cricket.

Nagaland’s batting also got off to a shaky start with its openers Joshua Ben Ozukum and Moakumzuk Tzudir losing their wickets to Shekar Sirdhi and Gaurav Parte of Arunachal in the first two overs.

Jonathan Rongsen was batting on 12 runs (not out) and Sedezhalie Rupreo 8 runs (not out) when rains stopped the play at Nagaland Cricket Stadium Sovima on Friday. Nagaland had put 26 runs on the board for loss of two wickets at stumps, thus trailing Arunachal by 98 runs.

Nagaland will resume the batting on day 2 with the hope of qualifying for the playoffs.

Cricket and sports enthusiasts are invited to witness the live match at Nagaland Cricket Stadium Sovima, stated the NCA, adding that public entry is made available at Gate No. 2.

Also read: Ranji Trophy 2023-24: Meghalaya take 1st innings lead over Nagaland