Ranji Trophy: Kaif-led Chhattisgarh thrash Tripura on debut

Ranji Trophy debutants Chhattisgarh, captained by former Indian cricketer Mohammad Kaif, notched up an easy nine-wicket victory against tournament's perennial whipping boys Tripura in Ranchi on Saturday.

Having taken a vital 137 run first innings lead, the Mohammed Kaif led side bundled out Tripura for 149 in the second innings with left-arm spinner Ajay Mandal grabbing 4 for 55. Pacer Pratik Sinha got two wickets while only Smit Patel and Gurinder Singh scored 26 and 20 respectively.

Needing only 13 runs to win, Chhattisgarh missed a golden opportunity to get a bonus point as they lost a wicket in the process knocking off runs in 3.5 overs.

Brief Scores: Tripura 118 & 149 (Smit Patel 26, Gurinder Singh 20, Ajay Mandal 4/55); Chhattisgarh 255 & 13/1. Chhattisgarh won by nine wickets.
Points: Chhattisgarh 6; Tripura 0.