Meghalaya seized complete control on the opening day of their Ranji Trophy 2025–26 Plate Group fixture against Manipur. Riding on twin centuries from guest professionals Rahul Dalal and Ajay Duhan. The pair stitched together a commanding 247-run partnership that placed Meghalaya. In an authoritative position by stumps. Their stand not only stabilised the innings but also put Manipur under early pressure in a match that could significantly shape the group standings.
Meghalaya’s Confident Start Sets the Tone
The day began with Meghalaya adopting a composed and disciplined approach. The pitch offered some early movement, but the top order showed patience and absorbed the pressure. As the morning session progressed. The batters settled into a rhythm, rotated strike effectively, and allowed themselves time to build partnerships. This steady base opened the door for Dalal and Duhan to take charge and dictate terms through the afternoon.
The pair quickly built momentum once they settled. Their shot selection remained assured. And they consistently punished loose deliveries. The confidence they displayed in judging length and using the full width of the crease kept Manipur’s bowlers searching for answers.
Rahul Dalal Anchors With Authority
Rahul Dalal’s century stood out for its maturity and balance. He played late, timed the ball cleanly, and showed excellent awareness of the field. His ability to rotate strike prevented the bowlers from settling into any identifiable rhythm, while his boundary shots arrived at regular intervals to maintain pressure. Dalal has long been known for his temperament in the domestic circuit, but this innings underscored his value as an anchor around whom the batting lineup can build.
He took responsibility at vital phases, especially when the innings could have faltered early. His control over the off-side field and calmness against the new ball set the foundation for the massive stand that followed.
Ajay Duhan Complements With Composed Strokeplay
At the other end, Ajay Duhan delivered a fluent and well-paced century. He complemented Dalal perfectly, blending caution with aggression and ensuring the scoreboard kept moving. Duhan looked particularly comfortable against spin, sweeping and driving with ease. His quick footwork allowed him to counter any turn offered by the surface, which frustrated Manipur’s spinners as they attempted to build pressure.
Duhan’s innings grew in confidence as he approached his century. His ability to find gaps and convert starts into substantial contributions offered Meghalaya the momentum they needed to dominate the day.
Manipur Bowlers Struggle to Break Through
For Manipur, the day turned into an extended struggle, with none of their bowlers able to produce sustained breakthroughs once the Dalal–Duhan partnership took off. Frequent changes in the attack and adjustments in field placements brought little reward. The lack of lateral movement in the afternoon and absence of sharp turn limited their ability to challenge the set batters.
The extended wicketless periods made it increasingly difficult to apply pressure, and the frustration among the bowlers became visible as the run rate gradually increased. Manipur will now need early breakthroughs on Day 2 to prevent Meghalaya from stretching their advantage into a match-winning total.
What This Means for Meghalaya’s Campaign
This performance sends a strong message about Meghalaya’s growing potential in the Ranji Trophy Plate Group. Over recent seasons, the team has focused on strengthening its domestic structure, and this innings reflects that upward trajectory. A first-innings score above 350 appears within reach, and further partnerships from the middle and lower order could push the total even higher.
Such a score would place Manipur under significant pressure when they come out to bat, especially on a pitch likely to slow down as the match progresses. For followers of the domestic season, including those tracking updates on BCCI’s official platform and major cricket analysis hubs, Meghalaya’s rapid progression continues to be a narrative worth watching.
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Stay tuned for detailed Day 2 updates, expert insights, and live coverage of the Ranji Trophy 2025–26 season. Follow our continuing reports to keep up with Meghalaya’s campaign and other key matches shaping the Plate Group standings.