Shillong, Dec 24: Meghalaya made a strong start to their Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025–26 Plate Group campaign with a convincing 79-run victory over Mizoram in Ranchi on Tuesday.
Put in to bat, Meghalaya posted a competitive 291 all out in 49.5 overs, riding on superb centuries from Arpit Bhatewara and Kishan Lyngdoh. In reply, Mizoram were bowled out for 212 in 38.5 overs, with Akash Kumar Choudhury producing a match-winning spell of 6/44 to earn the Player of the Match award.
Meghalaya suffered early setbacks as Karthik CA struck twice to reduce them to 40/2, dismissing Arien Bonchang Sangma and Swastic Chettri. Arpit and Kishan then steadied the innings with a commanding 205-run partnership for the third wicket, combining fluent stroke play with sharp running between the wickets.
Kishan was the first to depart after a well-crafted 106 off 104 balls, an innings that included 11 fours and a six, falling to KC Cariappa (3/46). Arpit followed one over later, dismissed by Karthik after scoring 104 from 125 deliveries, also with 11 fours and a six. Meghalaya lost wickets rapidly in the closing stages while pushing for quick runs and were bowled out off the penultimate ball.
For Mizoram, Karthik CA finished with impressive figures of 6/49, while Cariappa provided useful support with three wickets.
Chasing 292, Mizoram kept pace initially, with several batters getting starts, but failed to build decisive partnerships. Thankuma top-scored with 64 from 59 balls, but regular wickets halted momentum. Meghalaya’s bowlers maintained pressure, with Akash delivering a decisive final spell.
Given the ball in the 39th over with figures of 3/44, Akash cleaned up the tail by bowling the remaining three batters without conceding a run, finishing one wicket short of a hat-trick to seal the win.
Meghalaya will take on Nagaland in their second Plate Group fixture on Friday. Nagaland went down narrowly to Manipur by one wicket in their opening match. The group also features Bihar and Arunachal Pradesh, with Bihar recording a massive 397-run victory over Arunachal — the second-largest margin of victory in List A cricket history.
