Shillong, Nov 19: Meghalaya delivered a commanding performance to clinch the BCCI State A Trophy 2025-26 plate group title, defeating Mizoram by a huge 136 runs in the final held in Mohali today. With this victory, the Meghalaya U-23 men’s team completed a perfect campaign, winning all five group matches and the final, securing their promotion to the elite group next season.
Meghalaya Cricket Association (MCA) President Nababrata Bhattacharjee and Honorary Secretary Rayonald Kharkamni congratulated the team and the support staff, calling the achievement a proud moment for the state.
Winning the toss and opting to bat, Meghalaya posted an impressive 307/7 in 50 overs. The innings was anchored by a superb 105 not out from Pushkar Raj Singh, who faced 115 balls and struck 11 fours. Dipankar Baruah contributed 51 off 78 deliveries, while the explosive Shavian Blah smashed 76 off just 54 balls, hitting nine fours and five sixes. Dipankar and Shavian put together a 104-run stand for the second wicket, laying the foundation for a strong total. Meghalaya continued to build steadily, with Dipankar and Pushkar adding another 81 runs for the third wicket.
Mizoram, in response, struggled to maintain the required run rate. At 115/2 in 25 overs, they were still in the contest, but a dramatic collapse saw them lose four wickets for just 11 runs, slipping to 126/6. Their top scorer, Tetea, made 41 before being dismissed. The innings rapidly deteriorated, with Mizoram losing their final four wickets for just six runs, bowled out for 171 in 43 overs.
Meghalaya’s bowlers were clinical, with Manish Sharma taking 3/30 and Shavian Blah adding 3/51. Pushkar Raj Singh (2/13) and Gavineal Marpna (2/22) claimed two wickets each.
Dipankar, promoted from the U-19 squad this season, finished as the tournament’s second-highest run scorer with 254 runs in six innings. Among the bowlers, Manish and Shavian were joint third-highest wicket-takers with 11 wickets each, while Gavineal finished fifth with 10 wickets to his name.
The team’s success reflects strong collective effort under coach Neetesh Sharma and assistant coach Shiva R. Sangma. Credit was also given to the support staff—physio Emidao Dhar, trainer Skhembor Khongbtep, and manager Wonderful E. Pakyntein—who played key roles throughout the tournament.
Meghalaya’s dominant run not only secured them the title but also marked a significant milestone as they move into the elite group next season.
