Kishan Lyngdoh went into the record books as the first Meghalaya domiciled player to hit a Ranji Trophy double century, an historic feat he accomplished today on the second day of the match against Arunachal Pradesh in Anand, Gujarat.
Ram Gurung, meanwhile, made his mark as well with a century on his first-class debut as Meghalaya completely dominated proceedings.
Meghalaya declared their first innings on 504/9, giving them a lead of 410 after Arunachal had been dismissed yesterday for just 94. At stumps, Arunachal were 57/2 in their second innings.
Kishan and Ram resumed play this morning on 68 and 61 respectively not knowing the feats that they would achieve. They had already made 133 together for the third wicket and would add nearly 200 more by the time the partnership was broken.
The duo hardly put a foot wrong as they utterly dominated the Arunachal bowling attack. Spread across more than 68 overs, Kishan and Ram eventually made 326 for the third wicket before the latter was dismissed for 132, which included 17 fours and a six, from 217 deliveries.
Kishan was even more prolific and he has a history of success against Arunachal – at the same venue last year he struck his only Ranji century before today but went one better this time around.
In the end, he was out for an imperious 268, which was made from just 308 balls faced (giving him a strike rate of 87.01) and included 43 fours hit all around the part and one six behind square on the leg side. The Meghalaya captain had to negotiate a regular fall of wickets at the other end once the dependable Ram had been dismissed but exhibited a clear sense of responsibility and focus.
Meghalaya Cricket Association President Nababrata Bhattacharjee showered praise on the pair.
“A brilliant double century by Kishan Lyngdoh our Ranji skipper, the first by a Meghalayan in the Ranji Trophy. We all take pride in his achievement. He has the class, now his maturity and patience has blossomed. Salute!” he said. Of Ram, the President added, “A scintillating century by Ram Gurung on debut. Congratulations to Ram, who has justified his selection.”
With a mighty lead, Meghalaya almost certainly have the game in the bag but must still dismiss Arunachal once again. Despite his batting heroics, Ram was able to charge in to open the bowling and took 1/11 by the end of the day. The other wicket to fall was claimed by Dippu Ch Sangma (1/7), with Arunachal requiring 353 runs just to make Meghalaya bat again.
