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Bihar Clinch Vijay Hazare Trophy Plate Title, Earn Promotion to Elite League

Bihar secured a comprehensive six-wicket victory over Manipur in the Vijay Hazare Trophy Plate Group final. The win was set up by a magnificent seven-wicket haul from pacer Shabbir Khan, who bowled Manipur out for 169. In reply, Ayush Loharuka's composed 75 off 72 balls guided Bihar to the target in just 31.2 overs. The victory completes an all-win campaign for Bihar and earns them promotion to the Elite League for the next season.

Key Points: Bihar Beat Manipur, Win Vijay Hazare Trophy Plate Group

  • Bihar wins Plate Group final by 6 wickets
  • Shabbir Khan takes 7-wicket haul
  • Ayush Loharuka scores match-winning 75
  • Team earns promotion to Elite League
2 min read

Vijay Hazare Trophy: Bihar beat Manipur to seal promotion to Elite League

Bihar defeats Manipur by 6 wickets to win the Vijay Hazare Trophy Plate Group final, securing promotion to the Elite League for next season.

"Bihar capped a dominant campaign... in a landmark moment for the state's cricket. - Report"

Ranchi, Jan 6

Bihar capped a dominant campaign in the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26 by defeating Manipur by six wickets in the Plate Group final on Tuesday, securing promotion to the Elite League for next season in a landmark moment for the state's cricket.

Put in to bat, Manipur were bundled out for 169 in 47.5 overs, undone by a superb spell from right-arm medium pacer Shabbir Khan, who returned a match-winning seven-wicket haul. Shabbir consistently hit the right areas, exploiting movement and pressure to dismantle Manipur's batting lineup and give Bihar firm control of the

Opener Ulenyai Khwairakpam (61) and Pheiroijam Jotin (51) were the only two batters who stood their ground against the Bihar bowlers as seven of the batters got out in single-digit scores. Apart from Shabbir, Himanshu Tiwary took the remaining three wickets.

In reply, Bihar chased down the modest target with authority, reaching the total in just 31.2 overs. Openers Mangal Mahrour (32) and Piyush Singh (21) gave a perfect start to Bihar. No. 3 batter Ayush Loharuka anchored the innings with a composed 75 off 72 balls, striking the right balance between caution and aggression to ensure there were no late hiccups.

After losing the top four batters, middle-order batters Akash Raj and Bipin Saurabh made sure that Bihar reached the target safely and lifted the Plate trophy.

The win underlined Bihar's complete dominance in the Plate Group, as they finished the season with an all-win record, triumphing in all five league-stage matches before clinching the final. The campaign also saw promising signs for the future, with teenage batting sensation Vaibhav Suryavanshi featuring in two matches and amassing 221 runs, including a stunning 190 against Arunachal Pradesh.

By lifting the Plate Group title and earning promotion, Bihar will compete in the Elite Group of the Vijay Hazare Trophy from next season, marking a significant step forward for the team and a proud milestone 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.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
So proud! We have been waiting for this day. The team played like champions throughout. Special mention to Ayush Loharuka for that calm innings and of course, Shabbir Khan for that magical spell. The future looks bright, especially with young Vaibhav Suryavanshi scoring those big runs.
R
Rohit P
Great win, but let's be honest, the competition in the Plate Group is not the same as the Elite League. The real test begins next season. They need to build on this momentum and strengthen the squad further. Wishing them all the best for the bigger challenge ahead.
M
Michael C
As a cricket fan living in Patna for work, it's thrilling to see local sports getting this recognition. The dominance shown (all-win record!) is impressive. Hope this leads to better infrastructure and more matches in Bihar.
S
Siddharth J
Seven wickets for 30 runs! Shabbir Khan, remember the name. Bowling figures like that win you trophies. Also, good to see contributions from the openers and the middle order. A complete team performance. Congrats to the entire squad and support staff!
K
Kavya N
This is such wonderful news to start the year with! Bihar has so much raw talent. This victory will put the state on the domestic cricket map properly. Well done, boys! 👏 Now, let's get ready for the Elite League battle.

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