Bihar captain Sakibul Gani after scoring century
By A Correspondent
Patna: Bihar put themselves in a strong position on the opening day of the Ranji Trophy 2025–26 Plate Group final against Manipur with a composed and effective batting performance. At stumps on Day One at the Moinul Haq Stadium, Patna, Bihar had reached 328 for 7 in their first innings.
After losing the toss and being asked to bat, Bihar began cautiously but lost a few early wickets. Openers Himanshu Singh and Piyush Kumar Singh departed cheaply, putting the side briefly under pressure. The middle order, however, steadied the innings with responsible batting.
Mangal Mahrour contributed a useful 43 runs, while Akash Raj anchored the innings with a well-compiled 50 off 101 deliveries. Ayush Loharuka and Pratap added modest but valuable runs to keep the scoreboard moving.
The highlight of the day was the crucial partnership between skipper Sakibul Gani and wicketkeeper-batter Bipin Saurabh. Leading from the front, Sakibul Gani played a commanding knock of 108 runs from 155 balls, striking 11 boundaries and three sixes. After his dismissal, Bipin Saurabh continued in an assured yet aggressive manner and remained unbeaten on 75.
He was well supported by Khalid, who was batting on 18 at the close of play. Their stand proved vital in taking Bihar past the 300-run mark and firmly into control of the contest.
For Manipur, Rex and Jotin Feiroijam claimed two wickets each, while the rest of the bowling attack maintained discipline in line and length. However, Bihar’s batters displayed patience and maturity to ensure the day ended decisively in their favour.
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