Patna: Bihar achieved a monumental feat by defeating Tripura by 133 runs in the Vijay Merchant Trophy U16 Men’s Plate Group final, held at Vikas Cricket Ground, Bhubaneswar. This remarkable performance secured the Plate Group Trophy for Bihar, with the team showcasing both batting prowess and bowling dominance. Pritam Raj of Bihar was named Man of the Series for his consistent all-round performance throughout the tournament.
Bihar’s Stellar Batting Performance
Bihar’s batting set the tone for the match in the first innings, posting a solid total of 279 runs in 97.2 overs. Sarthak Jha was the star performer, scoring an impressive 90 runs, while Mohit Kumar provided a steady 63 not out.
The second innings saw Bihar extend their lead with another disciplined batting display. Contributions from Animesh Raj (44), Pritam Raj (41), Vivek Anand (25), and Mohit Kumar (22) took the team’s second-innings total to 208 runs in 92 overs, setting a challenging target of 331 runs for Tripura.
Bowling Brilliance Restricts Tripura
Bihar’s bowlers delivered a clinical performance to seal the victory. In the first innings, Aryan Patel led the attack with a five-wicket haul, while Mohit Kumar scalped four wickets, and Bhaskar claimed one.
In the second innings, Mohit Kumar continued his dominance, taking four wickets. He was well supported by Pritam Raj and Satyam, who claimed two wickets each, while Aryan Patel and Animesh Raj chipped in with one wicket apiece. Tripura’s batting lineup crumbled under pressure, unable to reach the target and falling 133 runs short.
BCA President’s Encouraging Message
Mr. Rakesh Tiwari, President of the Bihar Cricket Association (BCA), congratulated the players and coaching staff on their historic achievement. He stated, “This victory marks a turning point for Bihar cricket. The dedication of these young players is a testament to the bright future ahead. We are committed to nurturing talent and ensuring Bihar cricket shines on the national and international stage.”
A New Dawn for Bihar Cricket
This victory in the Vijay Merchant Trophy is a milestone for Bihar cricket, signifying the dawn of a new era. It has boosted the morale of young players and set a high benchmark for future performances. Cricket fans across the state are optimistic about the team’s continued success, with this triumph inspiring the next generation to achieve greatness on the cricketing stage.
