Vijay Merchant Trophy: Apandanka Marak does it again with 6-wicket haul

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaDecember 27, 2023

Apandanka Marak put in another sensational bowling performance to dismiss six Nagaland batters on the first day of Meghalaya’s plate group semifinal match in the U-16 Boys’ Vijay Merchant Trophy in Jamshedpur today. 

On what was a day for bowlers in general, Meghalaya, batting first after winning the toss, were dismissed for 123 but then rolled over Nagaland for 83 and then finished on 22 without loss at stumps, with an overall lead of 62. 

Apandanka, third in the wicket taking list nationwide before this match, now has 40 scalps to his name after he claimed 6/40 in 12 overs today, including the top three batters. Aashish Kumar Lohar (2/6 in 3 overs) and Benedict Jones Makdoh (2/16 in 7) were the other wicket takers. 

Earlier, Meghalaya would have been disappointed at having been dismissed for just 123. Lohar top-scored with 34 in the middle order, while Gaurav Narleng (25) and Rudra Singh Rathore (21) were also among the runs but could not push on for a big score. 

In their second innings, Meghalaya have Kristwal S Marak (10 not out) and Dipayan Nandi (5 not out) at the crease. Rathore (3) had to retire hurt as Meghalaya had to face 14 uncomfortable overs in the evening before stumps. 

This is the second time that the two teams have met this season – their round robin encounter ended in a draw. With 20 wickets having fallen on the first day, it seems very likely that there will be a winner this time around.