Shillong, Nov 10: A strong all-round performance powered Meghalaya to a convincing 93-run victory over Sikkim in their opening U-23 Men’s State A Trophy 2025–26 Plate Group one-day match in Ropar, Punjab, on Saturday.

After winning the toss, Sikkim opted to field first, but Meghalaya put up a competitive total of 252 all out in 49.4 overs. In reply, Sikkim were bowled out for 159 in 38.1 overs.

Meghalaya’s top order set the foundation, with all three leading batters getting into the 40s. Dipankar Baruah top-scored with a fluent 47 off 35 balls, hitting seven fours and two sixes. Fellow opener Sachin Kumar made 43 from 60 deliveries (8 fours), and No. 3 Josiah Momin contributed 41 off 63 (6 fours). Dipankar and Sachin stitched together an impressive 86-run opening partnership.

Skipper Manish Sharma added a valuable 38 off 32 balls in the middle order, including four boundaries and a six. For Sikkim, Siddarth returned the best bowling figures, taking 5/32 in 5.4 overs.

Meghalaya then delivered a disciplined bowling performance. Left-arm orthodox spinner Manish Sharma starred with 3/28 in his 10 overs, while Denikcheng Marak (2/16 in 5), Shavian Blah (2/25 in 4.1) and Sachin Kumar (2/28 in 8) shared the remaining wickets as Sikkim faltered in their chase.

With this strong start, Meghalaya will next take on Manipur on Tuesday in Mohali. Manipur also began their campaign with a win, defeating Arunachal Pradesh by seven wickets on Saturday.