In a rain-affected encounter reduced to nine overs per side, Meghalaya opted for a positive approach after being put in to bat. Suriti Kumari Ray anchored the innings with a crucial unbeaten 33, guiding her team to a competitive total of 69/5. Although wickets fell regularly at the other end, Suriti’s composure ensured that Meghalaya finished strongly in the final overs.

Chasing 70, Manipur struggled to gain momentum against disciplined bowling and sharp fielding from Meghalaya. Niruta top-scored with 11 runs before being dismissed by Nerisa Nongrum, who emerged as one of the key performers with the ball, finishing with figures of 2/21. She also removed Barkatun for 9 to dent Manipur’s chase early.

While the bowlers kept the pressure on, it was Meghalaya’s fielding that defined the match. In a remarkable display, seven of Manipur’s wickets fell to run-outs, reflecting the team’s alertness and athleticism in the field. Indariakor Kharwanniang alone executed three run-outs, while Ritreki Pohshna, Janika Marak, Abiezer Kharsyiem and Suriti contributed one each.

Manipur were eventually bowled out for 50 in 8.5 overs, falling short of the target in their pursuit of quick runs.

With this win, Meghalaya have regained confidence and will look to build further momentum when they face Arunachal Pradesh in their next match on Thursday.

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The Plate Group featured six teams: Manipur, Bihar, Meghalaya, Sikkim, Mizoram, and Arunachal Pradesh. Manipur finished the group stage unbeaten, collecting 18 points with two wins, while Bihar secured 16 points, finishing second. Matches were held at the CK Pithawala Ground in Surat.

Former Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh congratulated the team, stating, “A moment of immense pride for our State as the Manipur Ranji Team has reached the finals of the Ranji Trophy Plate Group, topping the group and remaining unbeaten throughout the tournament. As the team prepares to face Bihar in the finals, I extend my best wishes. A victory will take us to the Elite Group next year, reaffirming Manipur’s growing strength in national sports. Congratulations to the players, coaches, and the entire support staff.”

Manipur coach Siddharth Trivedi said, “We are in the finals! Every game is a takeaway, and the boys have shown tremendous commitment in all the matches. Congratulations to everyone in the team, including the support staff and the Manipur Cricket Association, for this achievement.”

Captain K. Bishorjit added, “I’m feeling incredibly grateful and proud of the team. As we prepare for the final against Bihar, our focus will be on keeping things simple, sticking to our strengths, and playing fearless cricket.”

The promotion underscores Manipur’s growing presence in India’s domestic cricket circuit, and analysts expect it will boost investment in infrastructure, coaching, and talent development in the northeast.

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