Assam, Services play out shortest match in Ranji Trophy history
Services on Sunday beat Assam by eight wickets to break the record for the shortest-ever Ranji Trophy match (in terms of balls) at the Tinsukia District Sports Association Ground. The home team was blown away by eight wickets in merely 540 balls.
The fixture that earlier held the record was a Railways versus Delhi contest that was played out in January 1962 and lasted merely 547 balls.
In the said game, Railways had scored 40 in the first innings. In reply, Delhi managed to put on a total of 137 before losing all its wickets. Later, Railways, which had come out to bat again on the same day, collapsed for 44 as the host romped home by an innings and 53 runs.
Meanwhile, the recently concluded game had already entered history books on the opening day of the second round when two Services players, Arjun Sharma and Mohit Jangra, picked a hat-trick apiece.
While left-arm spinner Arjun claimed the wickets of Riyan Parag, Sumit Ghadigaonkar, and Sibsankar Roy in consecutive deliveries to achieve this feat, Jangra removed half-centurion Pradyun Saikia, Mukhtar Hussain, and Bhargab Pratim Lahkar to skittle Assam out for 103 in 17.2 overs.
With Assam setting a meagre 71-run target for Services on the second day, the latter crossed the line in just 13.5 overs for the loss of only two wickets.
With that win, Services has now moved table top in Elite Group C with 13 points from two wins, while Assam is fifth with one point from two games.
Published on Oct 26, 2025
