Nagaland concluded an exceptional campaign in the Ranji Trophy Plate Group with a draw against Mizoram on the final day of their group stage, securing a place in the Plate Group final. The result ensured Nagaland finished in the top two, setting up a highly anticipated rematch against Goa. It is reported that the top two teams in the Plate Group will now be promoted to the Elite Group. The Plate Group final will be played from January 23-27, 2025, with the venue yet to be determined.
Nagaland’s first innings was anchored by a record-breaking 304* from Chetan Bist off 423 balls, with Nischal Dega contributing a solid 145 off 169 balls to help the team declare at a mammoth 736/7 in 169 overs. In response, Mizoram posted 393 all out in 106 overs, with Agni Chopra leading the charge with an aggressive 146 off 152 balls. Mizoram could have been enforced a follow-on but Nagaland chose to bat again as they had already qualified for the finals. Nagaland’s Jagadeesha Suchith shone with the ball, taking 6/107 in 29 overs to steer his team to control.
Nagaland declared their second innings at 197/1 after 45.4 overs, with Dega scoring his second century of the match, a quick-fire 105 off 127 balls. Rupreo supported him with a steady 88 runs. Dega’s remarkable season continued, as his 815 runs make him the second-highest run-scorer of the tournament.
Key performances this season have included Chetan Bist’s monumental triple-century and Suchith’s leading wicket tally of 37, cementing his status as a match-winner. Skipper Jonathan, with a stunning 250 earlier in the season, has added both batting and bowling depth to the squad.
Nagaland finished the group stage with 23 points, earning their spot in the final despite an earlier loss to Goa. The upcoming Plate Group final against Goa, who had defeated Nagaland earlier in the group stage, promises to be a thrilling contest.
As the cricket world turns its attention to this epic showdown, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Will Nagaland rise to the occasion and claim victory, or will Goa assert their dominance once more? The final chapter of this gripping contest awaits in January 2025.
