Did Bihar Secure Promotion to the Elite League by Beating Manipur in the Vijay Hazare Trophy?
Synopsis
Bihar's cricket team achieved a historic milestone by defeating Manipur in the Plate Group final of the Vijay Hazare Trophy, securing their promotion to the Elite League for the next season. This win not only highlights their dominance in the tournament but also sets a promising future for Bihar cricket.
Key Takeaways
Bihar's cricket team demonstrated exceptional skill and teamwork.
Shabbir Khan's remarkable bowling was pivotal in the final.
Bihar finished the tournament with an unbeaten record.
Promotion to the Elite League opens new avenues for the team.
Vaibhav Suryavanshi shows promise for the future of Bihar cricket.
Ranchi, Jan 6 (NationPress) In a remarkable conclusion to their campaign in the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025–26, Bihar triumphed over Manipur by six wickets in the Plate Group final on Tuesday, achieving a significant promotion to the Elite League for the upcoming season, marking an important milestone for the state's cricket.
Manipur, batting first, was dismissed for 169 runs in 47.5 overs, largely due to the exceptional performance of right-arm medium pacer Shabbir Khan, who delivered a stunning seven-wicket haul. Shabbir skillfully targeted the right areas, leveraging movement and pressure to dismantle Manipur’s batting order, granting Bihar a strong grip on the match.
The only resistance came from opener Ulenyai Khwairakpam (61) and Pheiroijam Jotin (51), as seven players fell for single-digit scores. Aside from Shabbir's brilliance, Himanshu Tiwary secured three other wickets.
In response, Bihar chased the modest target confidently, reaching 170 runs in just 31.2 overs. The opening pair of Mangal Mahrour (32) and Piyush Singh (21) set a solid foundation, while Ayush Loharuka anchored the innings with a composed 75 off 72 balls, maintaining a perfect blend of caution and aggression to avoid any late-game scares.
Even after the loss of their top four batters, middle-order players Akash Raj and Bipin Saurabh ensured a safe passage to victory, lifting the Plate trophy.
This victory highlighted Bihar’s absolute dominance in the Plate Group, concluding the season with an impeccable all-win record, having won all five league-stage matches before clinching the final. The campaign also showcased promising talent, with teenage batting prodigy Vaibhav Suryavanshi participating in two matches and scoring 221 runs, including an impressive 190 against Arunachal Pradesh.
By securing the Plate Group title and earning promotion, Bihar will compete in the Elite Group of the Vijay Hazare Trophy next season, marking a significant advancement for the team and a proud achievement for Bihar cricket.
Brief scores:
Manipur 169 all out in 47.5 overs (Ulenyai Khwairakpam 61, Pheiroijam Jotin 51; Shabbir Khan 7/30, Himanshu Tiwari 3/23) lost to Bihar 170/4 in 31.2 overs (Ayush Loharuka 75, Mangal Mahrour 32; Bishworjit Konthoujam 1/33) by six wickets.
Point of View
I believe this victory for Bihar cricket is not only a testament to their hard work and talent but also a reflection of the growing enthusiasm for cricket in smaller states. Their promotion to the Elite League will provide a platform for emerging talents and enhance the competitive spirit in Indian cricket.
NationPress
10 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Bihar's victory mean for the team?
Bihar's victory signifies their promotion to the Elite League, providing them with exposure and opportunities to compete at a higher level.
Who was the standout player in the final match?
The standout player was Shabbir Khan, who took seven wickets, leading Bihar to a convincing victory.
How did Bihar perform during the tournament?
Bihar had an outstanding campaign, winning all their matches in the league stage before clinching the final.
