Historic Hat-Tricks by Services Bowlers in Assam's Ranji Trophy Clash

Post by : Mara Rahim

After 24 years, the Tinsukia District Sports Association Ground witnessed a captivating Ranji Trophy match that quickly became memorable. On Day 1 of the second round, Services bowlers etched their names in history by achieving two hat-tricks within the same innings—a rarity in Indian domestic cricket.

After winning the toss, Assam began their innings but encountered immediate challenges against the Services attack. Left-arm spinner Arjun Sharma made an impactful entrance, taking down captain Riyan Parag, wicket-keeper Sumit Ghadigaonkar, and Sibsankar Roy consecutively. This achievement not only marked the first hat-trick of the Ranji Trophy season but also left Assam in a precarious position at 45 for five.

Following lunch, the situation for Assam worsened as Mohit Jangra, a left-arm pacer, eliminated the remaining batsmen swiftly. Although Pradyun Saikia managed a brisk 52 off 42 balls, Jangra dispatched him on the last ball of the 15th over, going on to clinch Mukhtar Hussain and Bhargab Lakhar. This was Jangra's first-ever First-Class hat-trick, contributing to the day's historic events.

In an unprecedented occurrence within Ranji Trophy history, two bowlers succeeded in clinching hat-tricks during the same innings. A comparable feat had not been witnessed since Joginder Singh Rao’s performance in 1963, where he remains the sole Indian to secure multiple hat-tricks in a single First-Class innings while representing Services against Northern Punjab.

Struggling to recover from the twin hat-tricks, Assam's batting lineup was all out for a mere 103 runs in just 17.3 overs. The Services bowlers’ commanding performance showcased the challenges faced by Assam on a tough pitch, where quick wickets put immense pressure on the local side.

Following Assam's batting collapse, Services skipper Riyan Parag took to bowling, making an instant impact by taking two wickets in his first over, further solidifying the team's dominant position. This early success from the Services bowlers set the mood for a historic day in Tinsukia.

The extraordinary display by Arjun Sharma and Mohit Jangra marks a significant milestone in Indian domestic cricket. Securing two hat-tricks in the same innings is an exceptional achievement, with only one prior occurrence in the last six decades, ensuring this day will be remembered as a pinnacle of bowling excellence in Ranji Trophy history.