Sikkim end Day 1 at 157/7 in Ranji Trophy match against Nagaland

Nagaland face uphill battle in Cooch Behar Trophy match

DIMAPUR — The four-day Ranji Trophy match between Nagaland and Sikkim at the Nagaland Cricket Stadium in Sovima began on Wednesday, with Sikkim winning the toss and electing to bat.

They faced a disciplined Nagaland bowling attack, finishing Day 1 at 157/7 after 91.0 overs.

This pivotal Plate Group encounter will determine which teams remain in contention for a top-two finish, securing entry into the finals and promotion to the Elite Group for the next season, according to an update from the Nagaland Cricket Association (NCA).

Sikkim struggled in the first session, reaching 33/2 in 21 overs. However, they gained some stability by lunch, reaching 65/2 in 39 overs, thanks to solid partnerships. At tea, they were 121/4 after 70 overs, continuing to build but under tight Nagaland pressure. Sikkim concluded Day 1 at 157/7.

Ashish Thapa was the top scorer for Sikkim, making 57 runs off 158 balls and anchoring their innings. Nilesh Lamichaney played a steady knock of 30 off 127 balls, while Parth Palawat remained not out on 29* from 133 balls.

Dip Borah led the Nagaland bowling attack with an impressive spell, taking 4 wickets in 13 overs. Nagaho Chishi bowled economically, claiming 1 wicket in his 13 overs, while Jagadeesha Suchith maintained pressure, picking up 1 wicket in 26 overs.

The Nagaland playing XI consists of Sedezhalie Rupero, Dega Nischal, Hem Chetri, Rongsen Jonathan (captain), Hokaito Zhimomi, Chetan Bist (wicketkeeper), Nagaho Chishi, Imliwati Lemtur, Jagadeesha Suchith, Joshua Ozukum, and Dip Borah.

The Sikkim playing XI comprises Arun Chettri (wicketkeeper), Nilesh Lamichaney, Ashish Thapa, Parth Palawat, Anwesh Sharma, Palzor Tamang, Ronit More, Lee Yong Lepcha (captain), Ankur Malik, Md Saptulla, and Pankaj Rawat.

Gujarat dominates Day 1 of Cooch Behar Trophy

Meanwhile, in the Cooch Behar Trophy, the match between Nagaland and Gujarat began on Wednesday at Sovima Cricket Ground.

Day 1 proved a challenging start for the home team, as Gujarat posted an imposing score of 382/4 in 89 overs, according to an update from the Nagaland Cricket Association.

Gujarat’s batting lineup displayed strong performances, with Luv Padhiyar scoring an unbeaten 118 off 181 balls and Rudra Mayur Patel contributing a solid 116 off 165 balls.

Nagaland bowler Sundram Kumar worked tirelessly to contain Gujarat’s advance, taking 3 wickets for 124 runs.

Also read: Nagaland vs. Sikkim — High-stakes Ranji Trophy battle from today