Nagaland trailed Arunachal Pradesh by 98 runs on Day 1 after rain stopped the play at the ongoing Ranji Trophy 2023-2024 on Friday at Nagaland Cricket Stadium, Sovima. Playing their last qualifying match at home, Nagaland started off well as Arunachal who after winning the toss elected to bat first but were bundled out for 124 runs in 39.1 overs.
For the Arunachal side, Odi 15 runs, Doria 21 runs, Kuman Nyumpu 13 runs, Suraj Tayam 10 runs, A V Jaiswal 16 runs, Happy Kashyap 16 runs and Ramesh Solanki 10 runs all got contributed runs but could not convert it into big scores as the bowling unit of Nagaland picked up wickets at regular intervals. Khrievitso Kense being the star performer again pocketed 4 wickets in only 5 overs while Karan Tewatiya, Jaganath Sinivas and Imliwati Lemtur claimed 2 wickets each.
Imliwati Lemtur also scripted history as he became the first bowler from North East Zone to pick up 100 first class wickets.
Earlier captain of the Nagaland side, Jonathan Rongsen also scripted his name by becoming the 1st from North East Zone to reach 2000+ runs in first class cricket.
Nagaland batting got off to a shaky start as their opening stand in the form of Joshua Ben Ozukum and Moakumzuk Tzudir lost their wickets in the first two overs as Shekar Sirdhi and Gaurav Parte got them out cheaply. Nagaland were reeling at 26 runs in 08 overs after rain stopped play.
Jonathan Rongsen batting on 12 runs (Not Out) and Sedezhalie Rupreo 08 runs (Not Out) will look to steady the innings on Day 2 as Nagaland trail Arunachal by 98 runs and will try to impose some dominance over Arunachal if Nagaland has to qualify for the playoffs.
Cricket and sports enthusiasts are invited to witness the live match which is played at Nagaland Cricket Stadium Sovima, public entry is made available at Gate No.2.