Tripura batters displayed a commanding performance in their Ranji Trophy clash against Meghalaya at the Polo Ground in Shillong, with a standout performance by Shreedam Pal, who hammered a magnificent 146.
At the close of play on the second day, Tripura had reached an imposing 346 for 6, despite bad light halting the match on Saturday. If play had continued, Tripura looked well on track to surpass the 350-run mark, setting the stage for a possible declaration early on the third day.
Resuming at a precarious 29 for 2 on the first day, Tripura’s innings wobbled early when Jibanjyoti Singh fell cheaply for 8.
However, from that point onward, the visitors displayed remarkable resilience. Shreedam Pal, along with captain Mandeep Singh, stitched together a crucial fourth-wicket partnership that not only steadied the innings but also laid the foundation for their towering total.
Shreedam, known for his aggressive stroke play, mixed caution with aggression as he gradually shifted gears. Together with Mandeep, the duo added a massive 166-run stand off just 132 balls, frustrating the Meghalaya bowlers. Mandeep, playing a captain’s knock, scored a brisk 59 off 83 balls, hitting 8 boundaries before he was dismissed. His contribution was vital in steering Tripura out of early trouble.
As Mandeep departed, Shreedam continued to pile on the runs, eventually reaching his well-deserved century. His masterclass came to an end when he was dismissed for 146 with team’s score at 255.
Shreedam’s innings was a powerful display of batting, lasting 178 balls and laced with 20 boundaries and 2 sixes. His knock not only anchored Tripura’s innings but also put them in a dominant position.
Sarath Srinivas joined Shreedam at the crease after Mandeep’s dismissal and continued to build on the solid foundation.
The pair shared a valuable 67-run fifth-wicket partnership before Shreedam’s marathon innings came to an end. While Sarath and vice-captain Manishankar Murasingh took over the reins, the aggressive middle-order batting further extended Tripura’s advantage.
Sarath contributed 59 off 83 balls, including 8 fours, while Murasingh remained unbeaten on 53 off 63 balls, striking 5 boundaries and 2 sixes. Their unbeaten seventh-wicket stand of 80 runs off 99 balls added more frustration to the Meghalaya bowlers.
For Meghalaya, Akash Kumar was the standout bowler, picking up 2 wickets for 100 runs.
With Tripura sitting comfortably at 346 for 6, they will look to push towards a declaration early on Sunday and put Meghalaya under pressure. The visitors have positioned themselves as favorites to dictate the remainder of the match, as they seek to bowl out their opponents and secure a victory in this Ranji Trophy fixture.
(Tripura, Northeast)
