Gangtok: Sikkim’s cricket team celebrated a remarkable victory over Arunachal Pradesh in their Ranji Trophy match, defending a target of 300 runs and winning by 105 runs. This triumph marks Sikkim’s second win in the tournament.
Captain Lee Yong Lepcha stole the show with a five-wicket haul (5-38), while Ankur Malik provided valuable support with four wickets. Malik’s outstanding performance earned him the Player of the Match award, having taken 10 wickets in the match.
Sikkim posted an impressive 424 runs in their first innings, thanks to centuries from Ashish Thapa (157) and Vice-Captain Palzor Tamang (103). Arunachal Pradesh started strongly but Sikkim’s bowlers fought back, with Malik taking six wickets and Ronit More claiming three.
In the second innings, Sikkim adopted an aggressive approach, scoring 170 runs in 36.2 overs. Lepcha and Malik then shared nine wickets, bowling out Arunachal Pradesh in 62.3 overs.
Sikkim earned six valuable points from this win and will next face Nagaland in Dimapur.
Sikkim Cricket Association President Tika Subba hailed the victory as a “special Diwali gift” for Sikkimese cricket fans, praising the team’s determination and teamwork.
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