Ranji Trophy: Nagaland-Arunachal encounter heading for a draw

Morung Express News
Dimapur | January 13

A superb double century performance by wicketkeeper-batsman Rahul Dalal today led the strong fight back by Arunachal Pradesh against Nagaland in their Ranji Trophy Plate Group encounter at Nagaland Cricket Stadium, Sovima, Dimapur. 

Chasing a mammoth total of 534/7 (declared) by Nagaland, Dalal 267 runs (329 balls) rescued his team from an imminent defeat and ensured the match heads for a draw at stumps on Day-3. 

Arunachal Pradesh was reeling at 141 for four in 37 overs and trailing by 393 runs at stumps on Day- 2. 

However, along with Dalal, another 65 runs by all-rounder Akhilesh Sahani helped the team cut the lead considerably to 74 and took their 1st innings total to 460/10, and reverse the upper hand enjoyed by Nagaland.  

 
On the bowling department, Imliwati Lemtur took 5 wickets while Mundhe scalped 4. Tahmeed Rahman took the other wicket. 

Earlier on sunday, Nagaland declared their 1st innings after piling a huge total of 534 for seven.  Shrikant Mundhe top-scored for the team with 166 while wicketkeeper-batsman Yogesh Takawale continued the assault with an unbeaten 117. Hokaito Zhimomi (76), Sedezhalie Rupero (53) and captain Rongsen Jonathan (49) were the other top-scorers for Nagaland. 

After the gallant fight back, the four-day a match test might probably end up with a draw and at stumps on Day-3, Nagaland  were 10/0 and leading by 84 runs.

Opening batsmen, Temjentoshi Jamir and Sedezhalie Rupero were at the crease 3 and 7 runs respectively at the end of the day’s play. 

Nagaland will resume their second innings on Tuesday. 

Brief Score: 
Nagaland 
1st innings – 534/7 declared  
2nd Innings – 10/0 Batting 

Arunachal Pradesh
1st innings – 460/10 
Day 3: Stumps - Nagaland lead by 84 runs