Punjab Newsline,Sports:
Stellar Batting and Bowling Display Sees Bihar Clinch Title in Dominant Fashion
Bihar stamped their authority in the 2025–26 Ranji Trophy Plate Division final, producing a spectacular all-round performance to thrash Manipur by a colossal 568 runs at the Moin-ul-Haq Stadium in Patna on Monday. The comprehensive victory not only secured Bihar the Plate Trophy but also earned them promotion to the Elite Group for the next season.
Batting first, Bihar set a commanding platform, amassing a massive 522 runs in their opening innings. Wicketkeeper-batter Bipin Saurabh led the charge with a fluent 143, while captain Sakibul Gani provided a steady 108. Suraj Kashyap contributed an important 83, ensuring Bihar posted a total that left Manipur reeling. Rex Rajkumar impressed with the ball for Manipur, claiming four wickets, supported by Pheiroijam Jotin and Bishworjit Konthoujam with two wickets each.
In reply, Manipur struggled against Bihar’s disciplined attack and were bowled out for 264. Ronald Longjam top-scored with a patient 79, but the rest of the batting lineup failed to make an impact. Suraj Kashyap once again led Bihar’s bowling with figures of 3/34, while Prashant Singh and Himanshu Singh picked up two wickets apiece.
With a first-innings lead of 258, Bihar dominated the second innings as well. Piyush Singh played a monumental knock of 216* off 322 balls, ably supported by Raghuvendra Pratap Singh (90) and Khalid Alam (81). Bihar declared at 505 for six, setting a daunting target of 764 runs.
Chasing the massive total, Manipur crumbled for 195 in their second innings. Pheiroijam Jotin fought valiantly with 74, and L Kishan Singha contributed 30, but Bihar’s bowlers were relentless. Suraj Kashyap (3/32) and Himanshu Singh (3 wickets) led the charge as Manipur were dismissed inside 57 overs.
Bihar’s victory mirrors their recent success in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, where they defeated Manipur in the Plate Group final, confirming their rise to the Elite Group. With this dominant display, Bihar announced themselves as a force to reckon with in Indian domestic cricket.