Ranji Trophy Plate Group Final: Hosts Bihar post 392/4 at Stumps on Day 1
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, January 25 2023: S Gani and Bipin Saurabh forged an impressive 286-run partnership with their unbeaten tons as hosts Bihar amassed an imposing total of 392 runs against Manipur at Stumps on Day 1 of the Ranji Trophy Plate Group final at Moin Ul Haq Stadium in Patna.

Bihar won the toss and chose to bat first.

Pumped up Manipur looked to be in control early on as RK Rex found the breakthrough in Bihar's innings when Babul Kumar holed out to Manipur skipper Langlonyamba for 4 runs in the third over before V Raj was caught out for 5 runs by Bikash Singh off Jotin Pheiroijam's last delivery of the fourth over.

Bishworjit Konthoujam further reduced Bihar to 55 for 3 when Rishav Kumar was caught behind by Manipur wicketkeeper Shah in the 17th over.

Bihar slipped to 106 for 4 in 34.3 overs with Sachin Kumar (45) getting caught out by Basir Rahaman on Ronald M's delivery.

Manipur, however, started to lose control as S Gani (191 off 217) and Bipin Saurabh (117 off 179) preyed on lose balls from faltering Manipuri bowlers and stitched together commendable unbeaten partnership of 286 runs off 333 deliveries to change the complexion of the game and steered Bihar to 392 at Stumps (90 overs) .

S Gani's knock included 27 fours and 2 sixes while Bipin clobbered 12 fours and 5 sixes on the way to his unbeaten 117 .

Mention may be made that Manipur drew Bihar earlier this season in the group stage encounter even as Bihar enjoyed a slender first innings lead.

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