Rare win for Tripura as Himachal lose by 109 runs

Tripura's first outing in the Ranji Trophy had come way back in 1985.

Chasing 359 runs for an unlikely victory on the fourth and final day, Himachal Pradesh were all out for 189 in their second innings at the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Stadium.

Tripura, who were 116 for five overnight, could manage just 177 in their second essay largely due to Vikramjeet Malik, who returned impressive figures of 5/36.

Debutant Sanjay Majumdar and his medium pace colleague Rana Dutta were the most successful bowlers for the visitors, finishing with figures of 3/64 and 3/53.

For the hosts, Paras Dogra deserved mention as he cracked an unbeaten century even as the others crumbled.

Dogra, who hit 19 fours, remained not out on 106 off 172 balls after last man, Mohinderraj Sharma was trapped in front of the wicket by S Abbas Ali, who also struck 68 in the second innings. Manisankar Murasingh contributed 63.

Tripura got six points for the win and there was nothing in store for Himachal Pradesh.

Brief scores:

Tripura: 441 and 177 (S Abbas Ali 68, Manisankar Murasingh 63; Vikramjeet Malik 5/36, Rahul Singh 3/51).

Himachal Pradesh: 260 and 189 (Paras Dogra not out 105; Sanjay Majumdar 3/64, Rana Dutta 3/53).