Sukhbinder Singh skittles out Tripura for paltry 116

There was no joy for Tripura on Thursday as they slipped to 116 all out against Assam in their East Zone Ranji Trophy encounter at home. On winning the toss at the Maharaja Bir Bikram College Stadium in Agartala, Assam skipper SZ Suffri put the home side in to bat. It was a decision that paid rich dividends at the close of play on the first day. Left arm spinner Sukhbinder Singh was quite unplayable. Returning the amazing figures of 15-7-15-5, Sukhbinder ran through the Tripura batting lineup. Picking up wickets that spanned from the opening batsman to the last man, Sukhbinder made sure that the highest individual score was restricted to S Dasgupta's 42. Although Sukhbinder's performance was the one that stood out, left arm seamer Gautam Dutta with 3/30 gave a good account of himself.

In response, the Assam side encountered no problems. Although PJ Das was run out after he had made 28 (57 balls, 5 fours, 1 six) the first wicket partnership was already worth 52. When stumps was called, Assam were motoring on at a healthy 79 for 1. Skipper Zufri, coming in at one drop was unbeaten on 21. The other opener, SB Saikia had helped himself to a slow but steady 25 (96 balls) and he too was unconquered. Assam are in a good position, and some steady batting from them on the second and third days should see them take the initiative.