Nagaland’s Ranji Trophy 2024-25 campaign held at the Nagaland Cricket Stadium, Sovima, Dimapur has highlighted the consistent team efforts and standout performances from key players. With their recent commanding victory over Sikkim by an innings and 39 runs, Nagaland has strengthened its hold on second place in the Plate Group standings, informed a press release by the Nagaland Cricket Association (NCA) Media. This win not only adds crucial 20 points to their tally but also positions them as strong contenders to qualify for the finals. The road to glory is now clearer, with one crucial match remaining against Mizoram before a potential clash with Goa in the finals, mentioned the NCA.
Match Recap: Nagaland’s Dominant Victory Over Sikkim
Nagaland’s latest victory showcased their all-round dominance.
Nagaland 1st Innings: 347 all out (123 overs)
Key Performers: Nischal Dega 116 (186), Hem Chetri 67 (166)
Sikkim’s Lee Yong Lepcha picked up 3/68.
Sikkim 1st Innings: 192 all out (106 overs)
Key Performer: Ashish Thapa 57 (158)
Nagaland’s Dip Borah decimated the batting order with a brilliant 5/31.
Sikkim 2nd Innings: 116 all out (48.3 overs)
Key Performer: Ankur Malik 47 (79)
Jagadeesha Suchith ripped through the lineup with a fiery 6/36 spell.
Nagaland’s dominant performance, both with bat and ball, ensured they finished the match with a massive innings and 39 runs victory, earning 20 valuable points.
Key Performers Who Defined Nagaland’s Season
Dega Nischal – The Batting Dynamo
Dega Nischal continues to impress with his consistency and hunger for runs. His contributions have cemented him as the second-highest run-scorer in the Ranji Trophy this season.
Matches Played: 4
Runs Scored: 564 (Rank: 2nd in Ranji Trophy 2024-25)
Centuries: 3, Fours: 59
Strike Rate: 60.23
Nischal’s ability to anchor the innings under pressure and build partnerships has been instrumental in Nagaland’s success. His steady hand at the top ensures a strong foundation for the team in every game.
Jagadeesha Suchith – The Wicket-Taking Machine
Jagadeesha Suchith has been a standout performer with the ball, emerging as the second-highest wicket-taker in the tournament. His ability to break through batting lineups has been a game-changer for Nagaland.
Wickets Taken: 31 (Rank: 2nd in Ranji Trophy 2024-25)
Five-Wicket Hauls: 3, Four-Wicket Hauls: 2
Best Figures: 6/36 (vs. Sikkim, 2nd Innings)
Economy Rate: 2.23
Suchith’s 31 wickets have come at crucial moments, with his fiery spells turning the tide in Nagaland’s favor.
Johantan – The Silent Performer
Johantan has quietly but effectively contributed to Nagaland’s success, delivering impactful spells when the team needed breakthroughs.
Wickets Taken: 20 (Rank: 12th in Ranji Trophy 2024-25)
Five-Wicket Hauls: 1
Four-Wicket Hauls: 1
Economy Rate: 2.53
Johantan’s disciplined line and length, coupled with his knack for breaking partnerships, has complemented Suchith’s aggressive style, creating a formidable bowling attack for Nagaland.
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The Road to the Finals: High Stakes Against Mizoram
Nagaland will take on Mizoram from November 13 to 16, 2024, at the Gokulbhai Somabhai Patel Stadium, Nadiad. This match is a must-win for Nagaland to solidify their position in the Plate Group and secure a spot in the finals, scheduled from January 23rd to 27th, 2025.
If they qualify, Nagaland will face Goa, the table-toppers, in what promises to be a thrilling finale. With momentum on their side and a chance to avenge their earlier encounters, Nagaland is gearing up for one of the most significant games in their cricketing journey.
What Lies Ahead
With Dega Nischal in sublime form, Jagadeesha Suchith wreaking havoc with the ball, and the entire team firing on all cylinders, Nagaland is poised to make history in the Ranji Trophy.
Nagaland Trails Jammu & Kashmir by 328 Runs at Stumps on Day 2 of the Col C K Nayudu Trophy
Date: November 9, 2024
Venue: Jammu University Ground, Jammu
Jammu & Kashmir dominated proceedings on Day 2 of the Col C K Nayudu Trophy, declaring their first innings at a mammoth 557/5, thanks to stellar centuries from Arnav Gupta (168 off 169) and Yawer Hassan (159* off 226). In reply, Nagaland faced challenges with the bat, bowled out for 159 in their first innings and ending the day at 70/3 in their second innings, trailing by 328 runs.
Match Summary
Jammu & Kashmir 1st Innings:
Total: 557/5 declared in 109 overs
Key Performers:
Arnav Gupta: 168 (169)
Yawer Hassan: 159* (226)
Sujal Prasad (Nagaland): 1/60
Nagaland 1st Innings:
Total: 159 all out in 31.5 overs
Key Performers:
Sujal Prasad: 33 (27)
Mujtaba Yousuf (J&K): 5/53
Nagaland 2nd Innings:
Score: 70/3 in 19 overs
Key Performers:
Vishal Sahani: 27 (21)
Janib Javaid (J&K): 1/9
Match Highlights
Jammu & Kashmir dominated with the bat, riding on remarkable centuries from Arnav Gupta and Yawer Hassan to pile up a daunting total. Nagaland’s first innings struggled against Mujtaba Yousuf’s lethal bowling, as he claimed 5/53. In the second innings, Nagaland showed resilience, with Vishal Sahani leading the charge, but they remain 328 runs behind heading into Day 3.
