Nagaland vs. Sikkim — High-stakes Ranji Trophy battle from today

DIMAPUR — The Nagaland Cricket Association (NCA) is set to host the Ranji Trophy face-off between Nagaland and Sikkim from November 6 to 9, starting at 8:30 am at the Nagaland Cricket Stadium in Sovima.

An update from the Nagaland Cricket Association (NCA) stated that, with both teams closely positioned in the Plate Group standings, this match is expected to be a crucial turning point in the season.

Currently holding second place in the Plate Group with 13 points (1.982), Nagaland aims to secure a top-two finish. Nagaland is focused on solidifying its position in the top two to reach the Plate Group final, scheduled for January 23 to 27, 2025.

Unlike in previous editions, this year’s format will see only the top two teams from the Plate Group advancing directly to the finals, bypassing the semi-final rounds. The two finalists will also earn promotion to the Elite Group for the following season.

Sikkim, with 12 points (1.586), is also in the top four of the Plate Group standings and shares Nagaland’s record of two wins and one loss.

Close on Nagaland’s heels, Sikkim is eager to break into the top two positions, making this encounter a high-stakes battle for both teams.

Nagaland’s success this season has been marked by standout contributions from three key players: Jonathan Rongsen, Nischal D, and Suchith J.

Rongsen’s standout performance came with a magnificent knock of 225* against Arunachal Pradesh, marking his second double century in domestic cricket. In just three matches, Rongsen has scored a total of 284 runs with an impressive strike rate of 83.04.

As a bowler, he has taken 15 wickets, including a five-wicket haul, with an economy rate of 2.64.

Nischal accumulated 449 runs, highlighted by a top score of 154 against Arunachal Pradesh. He also hit a tournament-high 51 fours, placing him second in the league for boundary count along with a strike rate of 59%.

Leading Nagaland’s bowling attack, Suchith J stands as the third-highest wicket-taker of the season, with 23 wickets, including two five-wicket hauls, and an economy rate of 2.40.