Meghalaya crushes Arunachal Pradesh in U-19 Cooch Behar Trophy with 417 run lead

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaDecember 23, 2023

Meghalaya exhibited an extraordinary performance, both with the bat and the ball, to completely dominate Arunachal Pradesh on the second day of their U-19 men’s Cooch Behar Trophy semifinal in Anand, Gujarat on Saturday.

Banialam Mylliemngap led the charge by decimating Arunachal with a remarkable bowling spell, claiming 6/28 in 10.4 overs. Subsequently, Shubham’s impressive 111 in Meghalaya’s second innings propelled the team to a commanding lead of 417 runs over Arunachal.

In the first innings, Meghalaya posted a total of 220, restricting Arunachal to 53/1 by stumps, trailing by 169 runs. However, Arunachal’s resilience crumbled this morning, with the remaining nine wickets falling for just 30 runs in an hour of relentless action.

Banialam continued his stellar performance by taking five more wickets, while pace bowler Angkit Tamang claimed the remaining four, finishing with figures of 4/36 in 12 overs.

By dismissing Arunachal for a mere 83, Meghalaya secured a substantial 137 run first innings lead. They further tightened their grip on the game during the second innings, scoring at a rapid pace initially, thanks to Manthan Dey’s quick 42 from 24 deliveries.

Shubham here played second fiddle, content to watch from the other end as he contributed just 5 to the opening partnership of 48. 

The left-hander had to shoulder more of the responsibility after Manthan’s dismissal and he rose to the occasion. His innings came off 205 deliveries and included 18 fours and one six. Shubham was given ample support by No. 5 Avinash Rai, who scored 51 from 95 balls (10x4s) and together they put on exactly 100 for the fourth wicket. 

Shubham was the last man to fall this evening, going to Bhargava (3/67), Arunachal’s most successful bowler of the innings so far. At the crease are Shavian Blah (17 not out) and Angkit (8 not out), with Meghalaya poised on 280/6.

The efforts of the entire team, but especially Banialam and Shubham, were appreciated by Meghalaya Cricket Association President Naba Bhattacharjee, who congratulated them both on their performances. However, he knows that the job is only half done as Meghalaya must not let up in their pursuit of victory.