Nagaland maintained its dominant position on Day 3 of the Ranji Trophy Plate Group encounter against Mizoram at the Gokulbhai Somabhai Patel Stadium in Nadiad. Despite a spirited knock of 146 from Agni Chopra, Mizoram found themselves struggling at 371/9 in 98.4 overs at the close of play. Mizoram still trails Nagaland by 365 runs with just one wicket remaining in their first innings, giving Nagaland a firm grip on the match as they look to extend their advantage on Day 4.
Nagaland had earlier set a formidable total of 736/7 declared in 169 overs, with their innings anchored by a historic triple century from Chetan Bist. Bist remained unbeaten on 304, playing a marathon knock off 423 balls. Nischal Dega also played a key role, scoring a well-crafted 145 from 169 balls. Mizoram’s bowlers, particularly KC Cariappa, had little to celebrate as they struggled to contain the relentless Nagaland batsmen. Cariappa finished with respectable figures of 4/141, but Nagaland’s monumental total left Mizoram with a mammoth task.
In reply, Mizoram’s top order was disrupted early by Nagaland’s bowlers, but Agni Chopra provided resistance with a brilliant 146 off 152 balls. Chopra’s knock kept Mizoram’s hopes alive as he single-handedly fought against Nagaland’s bowling attack. However, it was Jagadeesha Suchith who stood out for Nagaland. The left-arm spinner delivered a match-changing performance, taking 6 wickets for 107 runs and breaking Mizoram’s resistance.
His spell was a key factor in Mizoram’s inability to put up a stronger fight, leaving them teetering at 371/9 by stumps. Mohit Jangra (73*) remains at the crease for Mizoram.
With a substantial lead already and only one wicket left in the Mizoram innings, Nagaland will aim to wrap up Mizoram’s first innings quickly and then focus on extending their lead further. Mizoram, on the other hand, will need a remarkable effort from their last wicket partnership to avoid an even greater deficit as they prepare for the second innings. However, with only one day of play remaining, the match is likely to end in a draw.
