SMAT: Tripura humble Delhi despite IPL-heavy lineup as Murasingh delivers career-defining performance

Delhi’s tough domestic season went from bad to worse as Tripura defeated a Delhi side filled with IPL-level players by 12 runs in a Group D match of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. 

Earlier in the Ranji Trophy 2025-26 clash, Jammu and Kashmir registered a historic win against Delhi, adding another low point to Delhi's run of poor performances in recent years.

Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA) President Rohan Jaitley and secretary Ashok Sharma now face serious questions about team selection and support staff choices, including the appointment of Sarandeep Singh, whose stint has been disappointing so far.

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Delhi needs a miracle in the Ranji Trophy 

In the Ranji Trophy, Delhi now need a miracle to reach the knockouts, even if they win their last two matches. In the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, they have lost two of their four games, leaving them in a difficult position.

Delhi batters struggled against Tripura

Chasing only 158, Delhi batters were seen struggling on a slow pitch where they never settled against Mani Shankar Murasingh’s steady seamers and Viki Saha’s sharp off-spin, finishing at 145 for 8.

Murasingh shines against Delhi

Murasingh, a lesser-known all-rounder who has worked hard for years in domestic cricket, finally enjoyed a big moment. He hit an unbeaten 25 off 18 balls, with a six and a four in the last over, bowled by Ayush Badoni. He then delivered an excellent spell of 2 for 19 in four overs, including 14 dot balls, removing Punjab Kings and India A batter Priyansh Arya early.

Nicknamed the “Ben Stokes of Tripura” by his teammates, Murasingh relied on slow off-cutters and change-of-pace deliveries on a tacky pitch, troubling Delhi captain Nitish Rana (45 off 40), Ayush Badoni (14 off 13), and Priyansh (8 off 10).

Viki Saha also played a crucial role. He shortened his length to draw Rana out of the crease, turning one enough for keeper Sentu Sarkar to complete a clean stumping.

Brief scores

Tripura 157/5 in 20 overs (Mani Shankar Murasingh 25 not out, Suyash Sharma 2/16, Digvesh Rathi 2/34) vs Delhi 145/8 in 20 overs (Nitish Rana 45, Mani Shankar Murasingh 2/19). Tripura won by 12 runs.