Bihar vs Manipur Ranji Trophy Plate Final: Hosts Eye Domestic Double
High on confidence following their recent Vijay Hazare Trophy (Plate) final victory against the same opponents, hosts Bihar are set to aim for a remarkable domestic double as they face Manipur in the Ranji Trophy (Plate) summit clash. The much-anticipated match commences this Thursday at the Moin-ul-Haq Stadium in Patna, promising an intense battle for supremacy in red-ball cricket.
Plate Group Standings and Previous Encounter
Although the Sakibul Gani-led Bihar side will enjoy the significant advantage of playing on home turf, they confront a formidable opponent in Manipur. Manipur concluded the six-team Plate Group at the top of the table, accumulating an impressive 18 points from their five matches. In contrast, Bihar secured 16 points from an equal number of games, with both teams recording two wins and three draws each.
The group league encounter between these two sides in late October proved to be a damp squib, held in Nadiad, Gujarat. That match concluded with Manipur's first innings unfinished at 387 for six wickets, and no play was possible over the final two days. Consequently, the teams shared honours, each taking one point from the fixture.
Battle for Supremacy and Team Strategies
As they prepare to clash in the decisive second leg of the Ranji Trophy, both Bihar and Manipur are expected to leave no stone unturned in their quest for victory. Under the captaincy of K Bishorjit, Manipur will be particularly eager to take the battle directly to the hosts' camp. Their objective is clear: to settle the score at 1-1 and avoid finishing the season with a 2-0 deficit against Bihar.
Both squads have demonstrated disciplined and consistent performances throughout the premier tournament's first leg, earning their places at this critical stage. They are now poised to slug it out for the ultimate honours, aiming to conclude the season on a triumphant high note.
Key Absence and Spectator Restrictions
In a significant development for the hosts, Bihar will be without the services of their flamboyant vice-captain, Vaibhav Suryavanshi, for this crucial encounter. The 14-year-old southpaw is currently engaged in national duty, representing India in the Under-19 World Cup squad competing in Zimbabwe and Namibia. His absence could impact Bihar's batting lineup and overall team dynamics.
Meanwhile, the Bihar Cricket Association (BCA) has issued an important appeal to cricket enthusiasts. Due to the stands at Moin-ul-Haq Stadium being currently unsuitable for seating, general spectators will not be permitted entry into the stadium. This decision has been implemented with paramount consideration for safety and security protocols, ensuring a secure environment for players and officials alike.
As the stage is set for this thrilling Ranji Trophy Plate final, all eyes will be on Patna to witness which team emerges victorious in this high-stakes domestic cricket showdown.
