Meghalaya took command of their Ranji Trophy 2025–26 Plate Group encounter against Sikkim after securing a crucial first-innings lead on the third day at the MCA Ground in Polo, Shillong.
A patient and disciplined batting effort helped Meghalaya post 405 all out, giving them a 59-run advantage over Sikkim’s first-innings total of 346. The innings was built around a superb double century from a middle-order batter, who held the team together with remarkable composure even as wickets fell at regular intervals. His innings showcased maturity, concentration, and excellent shot selection, providing the backbone for Meghalaya’s dominance in the match.
Sikkim’s Kranthi Kumar emerged as the standout performer with the ball, registering his maiden five-wicket haul in senior cricket. The right-arm medium pacer returned impressive figures of 6 for 86, displaying consistency and control throughout his spell. Earlier in the day, he gave Sikkim a bright start by striking twice in quick succession, dismissing the overnight centurion for 102 off the second ball of the morning and removing his partner soon after. Despite his efforts, Meghalaya’s lower order showed resilience to push the total past 400 before being bowled out.
In reply, Sikkim began their second innings cautiously, determined to erase the deficit and build a lead. Openers Ashish Thapa (49 not out) and K Sai Satwik (19 not out) guided the side to 96 for 2 at stumps, giving them a slender 37-run lead heading into the final day’s play. While Akash Chaudhary struck twice early for Meghalaya, Thapa and Satwik steadied the innings with a composed partnership, ensuring the visitors ended the day on a positive note.
With one day remaining, the contest appears evenly balanced but leans towards a draw unless Meghalaya’s bowlers can produce early breakthroughs on the final morning.
On the opening day, Sikkim had bounced back strongly from a top-order collapse to post a competitive first-innings score. The recovery was led by Gurinder Singh, who struck a fluent 129 off 170 balls, and Kranthi Kumar, who remained unbeaten on 87. The duo shared a massive 196-run partnership for the sixth wicket after Sikkim had slipped to 46 for four. Their partnership transformed the innings and laid the foundation for Sikkim’s total of 346.
As the match heads into its final day, both teams have showcased grit and skill in equal measure — from Sikkim’s fightback through Gurinder and Kranthi to Meghalaya’s determined batting and bowling response. The Plate Group fixture has turned into one of the most competitive encounters of the season so far.
