Bihar won an exciting game against Mizoram by 7 wickets in a Ranji Trophy Plate Group match at Patna's Moin-ul-Haq Stadium, scoring 251 runs in just 27.4 overs.
The match saw both teams scoring big in their
first innings, but Bihar's batting in the second innings helped them seal the win, a much-needed one which has made them finish 2nd in the Plate points table, behind leaders Manipur.
Mizoram batted first and scored a huge total of 509 runs. Their captain Joseph Lalthankhuma scored a solid century (101), and Armaan Jaffer played brilliantly to score a massive 193 runs. Others like Sahil Reza (70) and Jehu Anderson (62) also contributed well. Bihar's bowlers tried hard, with Malay Raj and Khalid Alam taking some wickets but couldn't stop Mizoram from piling up runs.
Bihar responded strongly with their own total of 522 runs in the first innings, thanks to Mangal Mahrour's 102 and Ayush Loharuka's big score of 136.
Mizoram declared their second innings after scoring 260 runs for 6 wickets, setting Bihar a target of 248 runs to win. In the final chase, Bihar showed great skill and confidence.
Mangal Mahrour started well with 67 runs of 54 deliveries, and captain Sakibul Gani added a quick 66 off 46 balls. Ayush Loharuka (54 not out off 33 balls) and Bipin Saurabh scored a blistering 47 off 22, hitting 5 sixes in the process. The combined batting brilliance helped Bihar reach the target comfortably in just 27.4 overs, winning by 7 wickets. It was an absolute batting blitzkrieg from the Bihar boys, who have now also made the fastest chase in the history of the tournament.
This win was important for Bihar as they are set to face Manipur in the final of the Ranji Trophy Plate in January next year. Vaibhav Suryavanshi was not part of this match as the Indian youngster is playing in the Asia Cup Rising Stars.
