Tripura gained the upper hand on the first day of the U-16 Vijay Merchant Trophy cricket match on Wednesday, claiming a crucial wicket late in the day. As play resumes on Thursday, their bowlers will be expected to shine and help secure a significant lead.
The match, held at the Vikas Cricket Ground in Bhubaneswar, saw Tripura post a total of 187 runs before being bowled out. In response, Mizoram managed to score 20 runs for the loss of one wicket at stumps on Day 1. Tripura’s innings was anchored by standout performances from Sandipan Das and captain Rajdeep Debnath, both of whom scored vital half-centuries.
After winning the toss and electing to bat, Tripura showed promise early in their innings. At one stage, they were cruising at 152 for 2, thanks to a formidable partnership between Sandipan and Rajdeep. However, their dismissal triggered a dramatic collapse, with the team adding just 35 more runs and losing eight wickets in quick succession. The innings, which had seemed destined for a big total, folded like a “house of cards.”
Sandipan and Rajdeep were the pillars of Tripura’s innings, adding 146 runs off 359 balls for the third wicket.
Sandipan contributed a well-crafted 80 runs off 178 balls, striking 10 boundaries, while Rajdeep scored a steady 67 off 195 balls, hitting 9 boundaries.
Adi Debnath chipped in with 11 runs off 37 balls and none of the other batsmen managed to reach double figures, and Tripura was bowled out in 81.5 overs.
Mizoram’s bowling attack was led by Chun Kima, who single-handedly dismantled Tripura with figures of 7 wickets for 26 runs. Freddy provided valuable support, taking 2 wickets for 28 runs.
In their reply, Mizoram faced 12 overs before the end of play, scoring 20 runs for the loss of opener Yashobanta, who was dismissed by Sandipan Pal.
Duhsaka remained unbeaten on 10 runs off 34 balls, including a boundary, while Joel was not out on 5 runs off 10 balls, also with a boundary.
With a lead of 167 runs, Tripura is in a strong position. The team management will be pinning their hopes on the bowlers to capitalize on this advantage and push for a commanding lead on Day 2.
(Tripura, Northeast)