In a stunning upset that marks a new low for Delhi cricket, the state team suffered its first-ever defeat to Tripura in domestic cricket history on Tuesday. The 12-run loss in the Elite Group D match of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy in Ahmedabad adds to a deepening crisis for the capital's cricketing fraternity.
A Historic Setback for Delhi
The defeat is part of a worrying pattern of poor results. It comes hot on the heels of Delhi's recent loss to Jammu and Kashmir in the Ranji Trophy, putting the team's management and selection policies under intense scrutiny. Delhi's domestic season is now in serious jeopardy, with officials from the Delhi & District Cricket Association (DDCA) expected to face tough questions regarding team selection and the appointment of support staff, including coach Sarandeep Singh.
The ramifications are severe. In the Ranji Trophy, Delhi now requires an improbable combination of other results to advance to the knock-out stages, even if they win their two remaining matches. In the Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 tournament, the team has lost two of its four games, mounting immense pressure on the squad.
The Match That Sealed Delhi's Fate
Chasing a target of 158 runs, Delhi's batting lineup, packed with IPL experience, faltered on a slow surface, managing only 145 for 8 in their 20 overs. The Tripura bowlers, led by the experienced Mani Shankar Murasingh and off-spinner Viki Saha, stifled any momentum Delhi tried to build.
The hero for Tripura was undoubtedly Mani Shankar Murasingh. The seasoned all-rounder, who teammates call the "Ben Stokes of Tripura," first played a crucial cameo of 25 not out from 18 balls. He smashed a six and a four in the final over bowled by Delhi's Ayush Badoni to boost Tripura's total.
He then turned destroyer with the ball. Murasingh's clever use of slow off-cutters and pace variations on a tacky pitch yielded excellent figures of 2 for 19 from his four overs, including 14 dot balls. He provided the early breakthrough by dismissing Punjab Kings and India A batter Priyansh Arya cheaply.
Captain's Effort in Vain as Questions Loom
Delhi captain Nitish Rana fought a lone battle, scoring 45 off 40 balls, but found little support from the other end. Ayush Badoni (14 off 13) and Priyansh Arya (8 off 10) struggled to get going. Rana's innings was eventually cut short by Viki Saha, who drew him out of the crease with a shorter delivery, allowing wicketkeeper Sentu Sarkar to complete a sharp stumping.
The final over drama saw Tripura's Indrajit Debnath hold his nerve brilliantly, defending 20 runs to seal the historic 12-run victory. This loss, against a team considered a minor cricketing force, highlights the systemic issues plaguing Delhi cricket. With the season slipping away, the focus now shifts to the DDCA's response and whether significant changes will be made to reverse this alarming decline.
