Ranji Trophy 2018-19, Round 8, Plate, Day 1: All-round Nagaland dominate opening day against Arunachal

Nagaland made dominating start to their round eight clash of Ranji Trophy against Arunachal Pradesh having taken a lead of 17 runs with all 10 wickets remaining on Day 1. After bowling out Arunachal for 135 inside 55 overs, the hosts made an excellent start, reaching 152/0 before the stumps were drawn at the Nagaland Cricket Stadium in Dimapur.

Nagaland captain made the right call at the coin toss and opted to field. Pawan Suyal (4/28) destroyed their top-order with a devastating spell with the new ball. He struck in the very first over of the innings getting rid of opener Neelam Obi (0) and No. 3 Techi Tahin (0). In his next over, he cleaned up Indiya Toku for four to leave the visitors struggling at 6/3.

Techi Doria tried stabilising the sinking ship but after hitting two fours in his 15-run knock, he became Suyal’s fourth victim. A brief recovery followed with the middle-order pair of Song Tacho and Robin Tako combining for a 44-run partnership. Mughavi Wotsa broke them apart with the scalp of Robin on 24. Abrar Kazi then took over as he ran through the lower order, finishing with figures of 3/13 from nine overs. Song was the top-scorer with 31 off 96 while Techi Neri remained unbeaten on 22.

In reply Nagaland openers Paras Sehrawat and Sedezhalie Rupero enjoyed a productive day, hitting half-centuries each. Sehrawat has so far struck 87 runs off 96 deliveries alongside 11 fours and a six. His opening partner Rupera is unbeaten on 62 off 105 in an innings that features six fours.

Brief Scores: Nagaland 152/0 (Paras Sehrawat 87*, Sedezhalie Rupero 62*) lead Arunachal Pradesh (Song Tacho 31; Pawan Suyal 4/28) by 17 runs