Shillong, November 3: Meghalaya had an excellent day with the bat with guest player Ajay Duhan hitting a maiden first-class century and Swastic Chettri a first fifty as their Ranji Trophy 2025-26 plate group match against Bihar got underway at last in Patna today.
The first two days were a complete washout but the action finally got going today with Bihar winning the toss and batting first.
At stumps on the third day Meghalaya were 235/4 in 82 overs, meaning that a draw is most likely.
Meghalaya lost double centurion Arpit Bhatewara for just 1 but Bamanbha Shangpliang played solidly for 39 from 149 deliveries (4x4s), while Ajay batted more freely at the other end. The guest professional, in his second season for Meghalaya, brought up his century with a six but did not survive the day as he was out for 129 from 217 balls (15x4s, 2x6s).
He had put on 119 for the second wicket with Bamanbha and 111 for the fourth with Swastic Chettri, who had plenty to celebrate with an unbeaten 54 (97 balls, 7x4s, 1×6) in only his second first-class match.
The only other batter to miss out was Rahul Dalal – the guest player was out for a second consecutive golden duck after suffering the same fate versus Sikkim in the last match.
With just one day left there is little to no chance of a win or loss, so the 23-year-old Swastic will be able to bat without pressure as he searches for a memorable century of his own in his first season in the senior team.
