Hyderabad posts innings win against Nagaland, gets back into Elite Group
Hyderabad secured a spot in the Elite Group of the Ranji Trophy after defeating Nagaland by an innings and 68 runs on the third day of the five-day Ranji Trophy Plate Group semifinal at the Rajiv Gandhi Stadium in Hyderabad on Sunday.
The other finalist, Meghalaya, also secured a place in the Elite Group with an outright win over Mizoram.
Left-arm spinner Tanay Thyagarajan’s outstanding performance, completing his maiden 10-wicket haul (13 for 144), was the key factor in Hyderabad’s success.
The 28-year-old Tanay sent back three batters — Yugandhar Singh, captain Jonathan Rongsen and RS Jaganath Srinivas — in quick session to reduce Nagaland to 23 for four in the 12th over and his consistent teasing line troubled the opposition.
A notable fifth-wicket partnership of 127 between Sedezhaile Rupero (59) and Sumit Kumar (86) provided some resistance for Nagaland. However, Hyderabad’s captain, Tilak Varma, broke the partnership, dismissing Sedezhaile and trapping Sumit in front.
With Nagaland reduced to 177 for seven, Tanay swiftly mopped up the tail, supported by brilliant fielding, securing Hyderabad’s victory.
The scores:
Hyderabad — 1st innings: 462 for eight declared in 107 overs
Nagaland — 1st innings: 206 in 60.1 overs
Nagaland — 2nd innings: 188 in 58.3 overs