GANGTOK, :
Sikkim pulled off an upset with a 6-run win over Rajasthan in Vijay Hazare
Trophy at Navi Mumbai on Sunday.
Bowling
effectively to a plan and fielding brilliantly, Sikkim successfully defended a
total of 275/5 to secure a first-ever win against one of the top-ranked
sides.
Rajasthan
were bowled for 269 in the allotted 50 overs.
Rajasthan
appeared set for their sixth win in seven group-stage matches, requiring just
eight runs with three wickets in hand heading into the final over. However,
leg-spinner Ankur Malik turned the game on its head, claiming three wickets in
the last over to secure a historic win for Sikkim.
The
foundation of Sikkim’s impressive total was laid by a 152-run partnership for
the third wicket between Parth Palawat (80) and Ashish Thapa (73). Palawat, who
was scoring at an impressive strike rate, was dismissed just as Sikkim was
building momentum. In-form batter Paljor Tamang followed shortly after but
Ankur’s unbeaten 37 off 23 balls provided the late surge needed to push
Sikkim’s total to 275, one of their highest totals in List-A cricket.
Ankur
Malik’s all-round performance earned him the Player of the Match award with his
bowling figures of 4/35 from eight overs proving decisive in the nail-biting
finish.
Paljor
Tamang and Ronit More took two wickets each, while captain Lee Yong Lepcha and
Md Talim chipped in with one wicket apiece.
Sikkim
had never beaten elite teams in the competition before and not many would have
predicted that Sikkim would turn the tables on one of the biggest teams in the
competitions. Today’s win against Rajasthan not only marks a new milestone for
Sikkim cricket but also reflects the team’s growing competitiveness in Indian
domestic cricket.
Overcoming a side with seasoned national players
like Deepak Hooda, Rahul Chahar and Khaleel Ahmed highlights the strides Sikkim
has made in recent years.
With two consecutive victories to close out their
Vijay Hazare Trophy campaign, Sikkim has sent a strong message about their
potential and ambition to challenge the giants in future tournaments.
