In a record-breaking performance that has stunned the domestic cricket circuit, Meghalaya crushed Arunachal Pradesh by an innings and 446 runs in their Ranji Trophy 2025–26 Plate Group match held at Pithwala Stadium, Surat. This victory marks Meghalaya’s biggest-ever win in first-class cricket, surpassing their previous record of an innings and 425 runs against Mizoram in the 2019–20 season.
Match Overview: A Complete Domination
Meghalaya elected to bat first after winning the toss and posted a mammoth total of 628/6 declared in 127 overs. Their batting lineup fired on all cylinders, led by Arpit Bhatewara’s double century (207 off 273 balls), Rahul Dalal’s explosive 144 off 102 balls, and Kishan Lyngdoh’s composed 119 off 187 balls.
Arunachal Pradesh, in response, collapsed for 73 runs in the first innings and 109 in the second, failing to mount any resistance against Meghalaya’s disciplined bowling attack. The match concluded on Day 3, with Meghalaya securing victory by an innings and 446 runs.
Batting Highlights: Meghalaya’s First Innings
| Batter | Runs | Balls | 4s | 6s | Strike Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arpit Bhatewara | 207 | 273 | 23 | 4 | 75.82 |
| Rahul Dalal | 144 | 102 | 12 | 9 | 141.17 |
| Kishan Lyngdoh | 119 | 187 | 14 | 1 | 63.63 |
| Akash Chaudhary | 50* | 14 | 0 | 8 | 357.14 |
Bowling Performance: Meghalaya’s Attack
| Bowler | Overs | Wickets | Runs | Economy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aryan Borah | 16 | 3 | 45 | 2.81 |
| Ajay Duhan | 1.4 | 2 | 0 | 0.00 |
| Aaron Nongrum | 6 | 2 | 8 | 1.33 |
| Akash Chaudhary | 8 | 2 | 29 | 3.63 |
Arunachal’s Struggles
Arunachal’s batting lineup failed to withstand Meghalaya’s relentless pressure. In the first innings, they were bowled out for 73 runs in just 27.4 overs, and their second innings ended at 109 in 42.4 overs. Subhajit Paul (37*) and Techi Neri (27) were the only notable contributors in the second innings.
Historical Context: Meghalaya’s Biggest Win
| Opponent | Season | Margin of Victory |
|---|---|---|
| Mizoram | 2019–20 | Innings and 425 runs |
| Arunachal Pradesh | 2025–26 | Innings and 446 runs |
This win not only sets a new benchmark for Meghalaya but also ranks among the largest margins of victory in Ranji Trophy history.
Player of the Match: Arpit Bhatewara
Bhatewara’s commanding double century was the backbone of Meghalaya’s innings. His ability to anchor the innings while accelerating when needed showcased his maturity and class. This was his second double century in first-class cricket, and it came at a strike rate of 75.82.
Team Strategy and Execution
Meghalaya’s decision to bat first paid off handsomely. Their top order laid a solid foundation, the middle order capitalized, and the lower order added quick runs. The bowlers maintained tight lines and exploited Arunachal’s weaknesses with precision.
What This Means for Meghalaya Cricket
- Boost in team morale and confidence
- Strengthened position in the Plate Group standings
- Increased visibility for emerging players
- Momentum heading into future fixtures
Conclusion
Meghalaya’s emphatic win over Arunachal Pradesh by an innings and 446 runs is a testament to their growing prowess in domestic cricket. With standout performances from Bhatewara, Dalal, and Lyngdoh, and a disciplined bowling unit, the team has sent a strong message to competitors in the Ranji Trophy Plate Group. As the tournament progresses, Meghalaya will look to build on this momentum and aim for qualification into the Elite Group.
Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available match data and reports. For official statistics and updates, readers are advised to refer to BCCI and Ranji Trophy sources.
