Meghalaya began their Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26 Plate Group campaign in emphatic fashion, defeating Mizoram by 79 runs in their opening match at Ranchi on Tuesday.
After being put in to bat, Meghalaya posted a competitive 291 all out in 49.5 overs, riding on brilliant centuries from Arpit Bhatewara and Kishan Lyngdoh, who once again delivered under pressure for the team.
Meghalaya were reduced to 40/2 early after Mizoram’s guest player Karthik CA struck twice, dismissing Arien Bonchang Sangma and Swastic Chettri. However, Arpit, who opened the innings, and Kishan then took control of the game with a magnificent partnership.
The duo stitched together a 205-run stand for the third wicket, batting for 34 overs and keeping the scoreboard ticking with smart rotation and well-timed boundaries. Kishan Lyngdoh was eventually dismissed for a fine 106 off 104 balls, which included 11 fours and one six, falling to another Mizoram guest player KC Cariappa (3/46).
Arpit Bhatewara followed exactly one over later, scoring a solid 104 off 125 deliveries, also laced with 11 fours and a six, before being dismissed by Karthik CA. Meghalaya lost quick wickets in the closing overs and were bowled out off the penultimate ball of their innings.
For Mizoram, Karthik CA returned impressive figures of 6/49, keeping his side in the contest with the ball.
Chasing 292, Mizoram started at a healthy run rate, with several batters getting starts, but none could convert them into big scores. Thankuma top-scored with 64 off 59 balls, but Meghalaya’s bowlers kept striking at regular intervals.
The standout performer with the ball was Akash Kumar Choudhury, who finished with sensational figures of 6/44. In a dramatic 39th over, Akash dismissed the remaining three batters without conceding a run off three deliveries, leaving him on a hat-trick for his next spell. He was rightly named Player of the Match.
Meghalaya will take on Nagaland in their second Plate Group match on Friday. Nagaland suffered a narrow one-wicket loss to Manipur earlier today.
The other teams in the Plate Group are Bihar and Arunachal Pradesh. Bihar registered a historic victory, defeating Arunachal by 397 runs, the second-largest margin in List A cricket history, after piling up 574/6 and bowling out Arunachal for 177.