Shillong, Feb 8: The cricketing spotlight shifts to Mangaldai, Assam, as Meghalaya prepares to clash with Mizoram in the highly anticipated semifinals of the Ranji Trophy plate group, commencing today.
Having concluded the round-robin stage in an impressive second position, Meghalaya enters the knockout phase with momentum on their side, closely trailing behind Hyderabad. Mizoram, securing the third spot, promises to be formidable opposition for the Meghalaya squad.
Meghalaya’s journey to this stage has been marked by resilience, securing victories in three out of five encounters, albeit suffering defeats to Hyderabad and Mizoram themselves. The latter proved their mettle with a convincing 191-run triumph in their previous encounter at the Anand, Gujarat grounds. However, as the teams gear up for this crucial playoff fixture, previous outcomes hold little significance, with both sides poised for a fresh challenge.
Despite being the de facto hosts, Meghalaya finds itself displaced from its home ground in Shillong, courtesy of a scheduling clash with the U-23 men’s Col CK Nayudu Trophy semifinal, slated to commence on Sunday. Nonetheless, the Meghalaya Cricket Association’s Senior Men’s Selection Committee has diligently assembled a formidable squad of 15 players and standbys to represent the state in this high-stakes encounter.
Kishan Lyngdoh, the talismanic skipper of the Meghalaya team, continues to lead from the front, ranking sixth nationwide in runs scored this season. His stellar performance, amassing 572 runs in eight innings, including a century and three half-centuries, underscores his crucial role in Meghalaya’s campaign.
Joining Lyngdoh in the quest for glory is Akash Kumar Choudhury, who, despite missing the initial fixtures due to injury, has made a resounding impact with 23 wickets in three matches, catapulting him to the 13th position in the national standings. His inclusion in the semifinal squad bolsters Meghalaya’s bowling arsenal.
Aryan Borah, who showcased his bowling prowess in the previous encounter against Sikkim, securing an impressive tally of 12 wickets in his maiden Ranji appearance this season, earns a well-deserved spot in the squad.This season has witnessed a historic decision by the Meghalaya Cricket Association, opting to field a squad comprising solely of state-domiciled players. The success of this strategy is evident, with Meghalaya’s commendable performance in the group stage.
As the team braces for the semifinal showdown, the players are fueled by a collective hunger to script further success and propel Meghalaya into the coveted final of the Ranji Trophy Plate Group.
As the stage is set for a gripping encounter between Meghalaya and Mizoram, cricket enthusiasts await with bated breath to witness the unfolding drama. With each player primed to give their all on the field, the semifinal promises to be a spectacle of skill, determination, and sportsmanship.
As Meghalaya strives to etch their name in the annals of cricketing history, the fervent support of fans and the unwavering resolve of the team are poised to propel them towards glory in the Ranji Trophy Plate Group.
Amidst the anticipation and excitement surrounding the semifinal clash, there lies an air of unity and pride within the Meghalaya camp.
From the seasoned veterans to the rising stars, each member of the squad embodies the spirit of cricketing excellence and represents the aspirations of a state fervently passionate about the sport.
Meghalaya squad
Akash Kumar Choudhury, Anish Charak, Arien B Sangma, Aryan Borah, Chengkam Sangma, Dippu Sangma, Jaskirat Singh Sachdeva, Kishan Lyngdoh (Captain), Pringsang Sangma, Ram Gurung, Riboklang Hynniewta, Raj Biswa, Sanvert Kurkalang, Swarajeet Das, Yogesh Tiwari.
Standbys: Rounak Nongrum, Adarsh Joshi, Bijon Dey, Himan C Phukan, Manish K Rai, Lerry G Sangma.
Support staff: Goutam Shome (head coach), Moisten Ch Marak (assistant coach), Vikash S Chauhan (trainer), Surojit Biswas (physio), Dister Marbaniang (manager).