Meghalaya seized early control of their Ranji Trophy 2025–26 plate group clash against Manipur after guest professionals Rahul Dalal and Ajay Duhan produced superb centuries to carry the side to a dominant position on the opening day. Their 247-run stand for the fourth wicket transformed the innings after a shaky start and powered Meghalaya to a strong total of 359 for 5 at stumps.
Dalal was the aggressor throughout, smashing a blistering 151 off just 146 balls, an innings studded with 23 boundaries and three sixes. His positive intent kept the scoreboard moving at a brisk pace and placed immediate pressure on the Manipur attack. At the other end, Duhan anchored the innings with a composed 102 off 184 deliveries, providing the stability the team needed after the early wobble. Their contrasting styles combined to rebuild the innings and tilt the momentum entirely in Meghalaya’s favour.
Meghalaya’s start had been steady but short-lived. Openers Arien Bonchang Sangma (31) and Arpit Bhatewara (33) put on 61 before falling in quick succession, followed by the dismissal of Kishan Lyngdoh for 6, leaving the side briefly unsettled at 74 for 3. Manipur sensed an opening, but Dalal and Duhan’s resolute partnership across the long afternoon session shut the door on any early advantage.
Manipur finally broke the stand late in the day through seamer Johnson Singh, who removed both centurions in a tidy spell to finish with figures of 2 for 21. However, by then the damage had been done, with Meghalaya firmly in control heading into day two. The innings closed with Swastic Chettri unbeaten on 14 and Kusha Agarwal solid on 18, ensuring the visitors carry both runs and rhythm into the next day’s play.