Ranji Trophy Plate Group final: Hyderabad seizes narrow first innings lead against Meghalaya

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaFebruary 18, 2024

Hyderabad clawed out a small first innings lead over Meghalaya on the second day of their Ranji Trophy Plate Group final in Hyderabad today. 

To recap, Hyderabad were 25/2 at stumps yesterday, trailing Meghalaya’s first innings total of 304/10 by 279 runs. 

Today, the hosts were under pressure from Meghalaya’s bowlers but a couple of centuries from K Nitesh Reddy (122) and Pragnay Reddy (102 not out) got Hyderabad to 350 all out. Meghalaya then lost Ram Gurung for a duck and the visitors ended on 0/1.

Hyderabad lost one batter via run out but the other nine were all dismissed by Meghalaya’s fast bowlers. 

Chengkam Sangma, who took two wickets yesterday, claimed another today to finish with 3/54 in 14 overs. Akash Kumar Choudhury, who hit a half-century yesterday, bagged 3/59 in 21 overs. Dippu Sangma was the other treble wicket taker, ending with 3/68 in 16.5 overs. The prized scalp was of Indian Premier League star Tilak Varma, who was dismissed for 44 by Dippu. 

Hyderabad were 165/6 at one point but the centurions helped lift them out of a difficult spot and the home team carved out a 46-run first innings lead, with Meghalaya’s batters having plenty of work to do tomorrow.