Shillong, November 9: Meghalaya’s Akash Chaudhary wrote himself into the history books after becoming only the third batter to hit six sixes in an over in first-class cricket today on the second day of the Ranji Trophy 2025-26 plate group match against Arunachal Pradesh in Surat today.
Coming in at No. 8, Akash swatted Limar Dabi for six maximums, following in the footsteps of Garry Sobers and Ravi Shastri. His half-century, off 11 deliveries, was also the fastest ever in this format.
Meghalaya declared their first innings on 628/6 after winning the toss yesterday and choosing to bat first. They are set for a massive win as they skittled Arunachal for 73 and then enforced the follow-on. At stumps Arunachal were 17/3 in their second innings, still trailing by 526.
Three other Meghalaya batters had memorable outings with the bat, though record-breaker Akash stole the limelight in sensational fashion.
Arpit Bhatewara reached his double century yesterday and was out for 207 (273 balls, 23x4s, 4x6s) today. Kishan Lyngdoh, meanwhile, was out after amassing 119 (187 balls, 14x4s, 1×6). These two had also made a double ton and century against Sikkim in Shillong last month.
The other successful batter was guest professional Rahul Dala, who put personal disappointment from his last two innings behind him to smash 144 from just 102 balls (12x4s, 9x6s).
In the Meghalaya bowling department, Aryan Borah claimed 4/16, Dippu Sangma 2/16 and Aaron AR Nongrum 2/28 on debut in Arunachal’s first innings. Swastic Chettri (1/3) and Akash (1/10) were also among the wickets. Akash then took 2/7 after Arunachal were made to follow-on.
Thrilled by all these performances, but especially by Akash’s, was Meghalaya Cricket Association President Nababrata Bhattacharjee, who has seen the Meghalaya all-rounder develop from his youth cricket days.
“We saw his potential as a youth cricketer and encouraged him. He is a no-nonsense guy and totally devoted to cricket. Now he is the perfect all-rounder,” Bhattacharjee said, adding that, whatever the opposition, hitting six sixes in an over is no easy feat, which is evidenced by how few have achieved it.
Congratulations also poured in from other MCA members, including Honorary Secretary Rayonald Kharkamni, the Shillong Cricket Association and former MCA President, the Honourable Chief Minister of Meghalaya, Conrad K Sangma.
