Ranji Trophy: Tripura put Assam under pressure, need 7 wkts to win
Agartala Nov 10: Tripura cricket team is on the brink of their first victory of the current Ranji Trophy season. The State team has put Assam under pressure after a commanding display with both bat and ball which placed the hosts within striking distance of victory at the MBB Stadium in Agartala.
Heading into the final day on Tuesday (Nov 10), the hosts need just seven more wickets to wrap up the win, while Assam face an uphill battle, requiring 286 runs to avoid an innings defeat.
After posting a mammoth first-innings score of 602, Tripura’s bowlers maintained relentless pressure to dismiss Assam for 238.
Following on, the visitors ended the third day at 78 for 3, their chances of survival looking increasingly slim unless a remarkable turnaround unfolds on Day 4.
Tripura’s All-Round Command
Tripura’s dominance was built on a strong batting foundation followed by disciplined, incisive bowling. Resuming at 67 for 4, Assam were quickly pinned down as Tripura’s attack continued to find movement and consistency.
Shibshankar Roy’s fighting 84 not out off 151 balls stood out as the lone bright spot for Assam.
Coming in at number seven, he displayed grit and composure, anchoring brief partnerships with Rituraj Biswas (27) and Ayushman Malakar (24) to push the total to 238.
Tripura’s bowling unit clicked in unison. Swapnil Singh led the pack with figures of 3 for 29, while Mani Shankar Murasingh (2 for 33) and Ajay Sarkar (2 for 37) applied steady pressure to ensure Assam never settled.
Assam’s Second Innings
Forced to follow on, Assam found themselves in further trouble at 53 for 3 before skipper Danish Das offered some stability with an unbeaten 20 off 34 balls. Abhishek Thakuri and Swarupam Purkayastha, both scoring 20 runs, tried to rebuild but were unable to alter the inevitable tide of the match.
Tripura’s bowlers once again dictated terms. Swapnil Singh continued his fine rhythm, joined by Abhijit Sarkar and Rana Dutta, who took one wicket apiece while maintaining tight economy rates.
The Final Challenge Awaits
With momentum entirely on their side, Tripura now stand within touching distance of a win. Their bowlers have to maintain patience and discipline on a pitch that has begun to assist both seam and spin. A win here would be monumental, marking the team’s first triumph in the ongoing Ranji season.
For Assam, the task on the final day appears monumental. Avoiding an innings defeat would demand a level of resistance and application.
