Ranji: Tripura dominate through Vihari-Sentu stand after early blows
Highlight of the Day: The opening day of the Ranji Trophy match between Tripura and Assam at the MBB Stadium in Agartala belonged to Hanuma Vihari and debutant Sentu Sarkar, whose resilient 210-run partnership for the fourth wicket anchored Tripura’s innings. Vihari’s unbeaten 143 and Sentu’s composed 94 guided the hosts to a commanding 316 for 4 at stumps, putting Tripura in a strong position after early setbacks.
Agartala, Nov 8: It was a day of exceptional batting display from Hanuma Vihari and young wicketkeeper-batter Sentu Sarkar of Tripura as the State ended Day 1 on a commanding 316 for 4 against Assam in their Ranji Trophy fixture at the MBB Stadium here on Friday.
However, the openers of the State team disappointed once again as like previous matches, they both fail to deliver.
Invited to bat first after losing the toss, Tripura suffered early jitters as both openers — Bikram Kumar Das (22) and Rituraj Ghosh Roy (5) — failed to provide a solid start. Sreedam Pal, showing signs of returning to form, made 38 off 69 balls with seven boundaries before perishing against the disciplined Assam bowling attack.
The momentum shifted dramatically when Hanuma Vihari and newcomer Sentu Sarkar came together at the crease. The pair frustrated Assam’s bowlers with a determined 210-run stand off 293 balls, steering the hosts from 66 for 3 to a position of strength. Vihari, displaying his trademark composure, notched up his second century of the season and remained unbeaten on 143 off 215 deliveries, hitting 17 boundaries and a six.
Sentu, playing only his second Ranji match, narrowly missed his maiden first-class hundred, falling for 94 off 145 balls. His knock, laced with 11 fours and a six, reflected maturity beyond his experience. The youngster’s dismissal at the team total of 312 brought an emotional end to an otherwise memorable day for the hosts.
At stumps, Tripura stood firm at 316 for 4 in 84 overs with night-watchman Rana Dutta unbeaten on 4. For Assam, left-arm spinner Darshan Rajbanshi was the pick of the bowlers, finishing with figures of 2 for 52.
Tripura will look to capitalize on their strong platform on Day 2, aiming to extend their total beyond 450 and put Assam under pressure.
