In a surprising turn for domestic cricket, Chhattisgarh delivered one of their strongest performances in the Ranji Trophy by scoring a massive **585-run total** against Himachal Pradesh at the A.B. Vajpayee Stadium. Led by stellar centuries from Anurag Tiwari, Mayank Verma, and captain Amandeep Khare, the batting lineup demolished Himachal’s bowling attack and set the tone for the match.
For Himachal, the innings exposed critical weaknesses in their pace attack and spin inconsistency. Despite early morning assistance from the wicket, bowlers failed to maintain discipline, leaking runs through loose deliveries and struggling to break key partnerships. Fielding lapses added to their woes, allowing Chhattisgarh to convert singles into boundaries.
The pitch, typically known for assisting swing bowlers, appeared unusually flat this season, raising questions about pitch preparation. Some analysts argue that the pitch favored batters more than intended, while others believe Chhattisgarh simply outperformed Himachal in all departments.
This defeat is a strategic setback for Himachal, which has been aiming to strengthen its domestic cricket profile. Meanwhile, Chhattisgarh’s victory marks a statement of intent: the team is no longer an underdog but a rising force ready to challenge established sides.
Sports officials in Himachal have hinted at an internal review, especially regarding bowling depth and fitness preparedness. With the season still long, Himachal will need a significant comeback to regain momentum.
