Ranji Trophy 2024-25
By Our Reporter
Shillong, Oct 29: Maharashtra were able to defeat Meghalaya by 10 wickets in their Ranji Trophy 2024-25 Elite Group A match in Aurangabad on the morning of the fourth and final day on Tuesday.
Set a target of 101 to win, the Maharashtra openers achieved this without loss.
Resuming their second innings on 157/8, Meghalaya added 28 more runs to end 185 all out, with guest professional Sumit Kumar, who was unbeaten overnight on 24, dismissed for 45, the team’s top scorer in the second innings. With the hosts holding an 85-run first innings lead, this meant they had to chase 101 for victory, which they accomplished in 21.1 overs. Although it is a third defeat for Meghalaya, hitting 461 runs over two innings is a significant improvement in the batting department, though more still needs to be accomplished and the team is well aware of and working towards that.
Meghalaya will now return home to host Jammu and Kashmir from 6 November.
J&K had drawn their first two matches of the season but then soundly defeated Services by an innings and 25 runs in Srinagar recently.
In conclusion, Maharashtra’s commanding 10-wicket victory over Meghalaya in the Ranji Trophy underscores their dominance in the match, successfully chasing down the modest target of 101 with ease. Despite the loss, Meghalaya demonstrated a notable improvement in their batting, amassing 461 runs across both innings, reflecting growth that the team can build upon.
As they prepare to host Jammu and Kashmir on November 6, Meghalaya will look to harness this newfound batting resilience and strive for a stronger performance. The upcoming match presents an opportunity for redemption, and the players are determined to learn from their experiences and elevate their game further.
Ultimately, this match serves as a learning experience for Meghalaya, highlighting both their challenges and progress. While the defeat marks their third in the season, the increase in runs scored indicates a positive trend in their batting.