Ranji Trophy Plate Group : Manipur overwhelm Mizoram by 5 wickets, all but qualify for final
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, November 11 2025: Manipur overwhelmed hosts Mizoram by 5 wickets for the second win after two drawn matches in the Ranji Trophy Plate Group competition staged at Lal Bahadur Shastri Stadium, Anand.

With the win, Manipur cemented their spot on top of the Plate Group table on 17 points and are one point away from qualifying for the final.

Meghalaya are second on 12 points and Bihar are third on 10 points after four games and thus remain in the race for the two final spots.

Ranji Trophy Plate Group : Manipur overwhelm Mizoram by 5 wickets

Resuming their second innings (follow-on) on the final day at 243/8 (after 67 overs), Mizoram managed to add only 25 runs to take an 11-run lead as Bishworjit trapped Khiangte Vanrotlinga lbw on 39 runs for the 9th wicket in the 69th over and L Kishan Singha bowled out Bobby for the 10th wicket and completed his haul of five wickets.

Chasing 12 runs for the win, Manipur faltered badly and were reduced to 8/5 within 3.5 overs before Al Bashid 3 and Jotin Pheiroijam 1 finished off the chase within 5 overs.

Notably, Manipur, who were put in to bat first, posted a respectable total of 400 runs in the first innings (133.1 overs) courtesy of sensational knocks from Al Bashid 126 off 243 (15 fours, 1 six), Ulenyai Khwairakpam 90 off 187 (13 fours), Jotin Pheiroijam 55 off 106 (7 fours, 1 six), and Y Kamajit 40 off 58 balls (9 fours).

Manipur then bowled out the hosts for a paltry total of 143 runs (in 51.4 overs) in the first innings riding on three wicket hauls from Lamabam Ajay Singh (3/36 in 12 overs), Konthoujam Bishwoijit (3/23 in 14 overs), L Kishan Singha (2/10 in 5.4 overs), Jotin Pheiroijam (1/33) before bowling them out for 268 runs (in 73.5 overs) on follow-on.

Spinner L Kishan Singha returned with the match haul of 7 wickets after enjoying a fifer today as his company Ajay Singh managed a match haul of 5 wickets with two wickets coming up in the second innings (2/57 in 17 overs) .

Captain Bishworjit on the other hand returned with a match haul of 4 wickets finishing with 1/26 in the second innings as Pheiroijam Jotin returned with 2 wickets, one apiece in the two innings.

Al Bashid who produced a crucial century knock for Manipur was adjudged player of the match.

Manipur will host Meghalaya in a very crucial final league round match from November 16 at CK Pithawala Ground, Surat.

Feels great for the win, but regret the missed chance to confirm final slot, says Captain Bishworjit

Q.What is your reaction to the second win in four games?
A.It feels really good to register our second win in four games.

The boys have been working hard, and this victory is a reflection of that effort and belief, but the way everyone responded after the last game shows the kind of character this team has.

Every player contributed in their own way, whether with the bat, the ball, or in the field.

And that's what makes this win even more special.

It gives us momentum and confidence going forward, and we'll look to build on this in the remaining matches.

Q.An innings win would have propelled Manipur to the final but you narrowly missed the chance today, what was your thought on it?
A.Yes, it's a bit disappointing to have come so close and just miss out on a spot in the final.

We knew an innings win would take us there, and the boys gave everything on the field to make it happen.

This experience will only make us stronger, and I'm sure we'll come back even better next time.

Q.Since Meghalaya and Bihar continue to remain in contention for the final berths, how would you approach the ultimate league round encounter against Meghalaya?
A.We know the game against Meghalaya is going to be crucial, and the boys are fully aware of what's at stake.

At the same time, we don't want to put unnecessary pressure on ourselves.

Meghalaya is a good side, but if we focus on our strengths and execute our plans well, the result will take care of itself.

We've built good momentum as a team, and the goal is to carry that confidence into the final league match and give our best shot.

L Kishan records third fifer in First Class Cricket

L Kishan records third fifer in First Class Cricket

Notably, L Kishan Singha recorded his third fifer in the First Class Cricket having picked 5 wicket hauls against Meghalaya and Arunachal Pradesh in the 2022-23 season and played a key role in helping Manipur qualify for the Elite division that season.

Speaking to The Sangai Express in a telephonic conversation, Kishan Singha expressed happiness over his achievement.

He did his best to help Manipur secure an innings win today but had to content with the fifer as Mizoram batters held ground to avoid an innings defeat, he said.

He also expressed his willingness to contribute in the crucial upcoming match against Meghalaya.