Post by : Maya Rahman

The Tinsukia District Sports Association Ground made a memorable return to hosting Ranji Trophy matches after 24 years, as bowlers from the Services team made history on the opening day of the second round. The unique feat of two hat-tricks occurring in the same innings drew attention, something scarcely seen in Indian domestic cricket.

Assam opted to bat first after winning the toss, but Services' bowling attack proved too much to handle. Arjun Sharma, a left-arm spinner, made an immediate impact by dismissing captain Riyan Parag, wicketkeeper Sumit Ghadigaonkar, and Sibsankar Roy in three consecutive balls. This set the stage for Sharma to record the season's first Ranji Trophy hat-trick, leaving Assam struggling at 45 for five.

Following the lunch break, Assam's situation deteriorated further as left-arm pacer Mohit Jangra wrapped up the innings efficiently. Although Pradyun Saikia managed a brisk 52 off 42 deliveries, Jangra dismissed him on the last ball of the 15th over and then took out Mukhtar Hussain and Bhargab Lakhar, marking Jangra’s first-class hat-trick and sealing a historic double for the day.

This match recorded a first in the history of the Ranji Trophy with two bowlers achieving hat-tricks within the same innings. The last similar record dates back to 1963 when Joginder Singh Rao made history by being the only Indian to secure multiple hat-tricks in a single First-Class innings for Services against Northern Punjab.

Assam's batting ineptitude continued as they collapsed for a mere 103 runs in just 17.3 overs due to Services’ relentless bowling, which cranked up the pressure considerably. Riyan Parag, Assam’s captain, stepped into the bowling role post-collapse, making his mark by taking two wickets in his opening over, further demonstrating the dominance of the Services team on this historic day in Tinsukia.

Arjun Sharma and Mohit Jangra’s outstanding performance has set a new benchmark in Indian domestic cricket, with achieving two hat-tricks in a single innings being a rare occurrence not seen in the last 60 years. This day will surely be etched in memory as one of the grandest showcases of bowling prowess in Ranji Trophy history.

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