Ranji Trophy: Manipur thump Meghalaya by 8 wickets, seal maiden plate group semis spot
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, January 12 2023: Manipur recorded a monumental 8-wicket win over Meghalaya in their Ranji Trophy plate group match at MCA Cricket Ground, Polo Ground, Shillong, Meghalaya on Thursday.

The win propelled the state squad to the plate group semifinals, a historical feat achieved by Manipur in the biggest domestic cricket tournament of the country.

Manipur will square off against Sikkim in a semifinal match.

Needing 17 runs to win, Manipur resumed their second innings on 12/1 on the third day of the match and knocked off the runs courtesy of B Rahman M (14 not out) and Priyojit K (2 not out), coupled with contribution from Ronald M, who got dismissed for 11.The state team ended their league stage campaign with 20 points from five matches (three wins & one loss) to Secure the third place in the plate group point table.

Manipur were level on points with Sikkim, who sealed the second spot on better run quotient.

Top-four teams in the plate group will play semifinals (1st place against 4th place & 2nd place against 3rd place).

The two finalists will be promoted to the elite group.

Meanwhile, elated Manipur Cricket Association (MNCA) congratulated the state team for their feat, securing Manipur's maiden semifinal spot in the Ranji Trophy plate group.

In a press release, the state cricket governing body said, "Manipur Cricket Association (MNCA) is truly proud to announce that the Manipur Ranji Trophy Team 2022-23 has entered the Plate Group semifinal knockout stages for the first time in the history of MNCA without any guest players".

"We congratulate our indigenous team for their outstanding performances throughout the tournament in order to achieve this magnificent goal.

I, on behalf of the Association, wish the team all the best & more successes in the upcoming matches," added the press release signed by Leishangthem Ronel Singh, honorary secretary MNCA.

In their second innings on Wednesday, Meghalaya were all out for a mere 91 in 53.1 overs.

Kishan Singha, who picked up four more wickets in the Meghalaya's first innings, finished with a total of six wickets, to earn the man of the match accolade.

Earlier, Manipur scored 220 (all out) in their first innings to eclipse Meghalaya's total of 157 .

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