Sikkim vs Bihar – Ranji Trophy Plate 2025-26 Match Preview (8th – 11th November 2025)

Date & Time: Saturday, 08 November 2025, 08:15 AM (IST) / 02:45 PM (GMT)
Venue: SICA Ground, Rangpo
Format: First-Class (Ranji Trophy Plate Group)
Series: Ranji Trophy Plate 2025-26
Host Team: Sikkim
Broadcast: Live on Star Sports; available for streaming on JioCinema

Match Overview

The SICA Ground in Rangpo will host a high-stakes first-class encounter between Sikkim and Bihar in the Plate Group of the Ranji Trophy 2025-26 season, starting on Saturday, 08 November 2025. The match, spread over four days, will be a crucial contest for both teams as they vie for points to qualify for the Plate Final.

This will be the second meeting between the two teams in this season, with their previous encounter taking place in late October in Bihar. The SICA Ground, known for its balanced nature, could play a pivotal role in determining the outcome of the match.

Team Insights

Sikkim – Building on Momentum

Sikkim has been one of the standout teams in the Plate Group, with a strong performance in the previous season. Their 137-run thrashing of Mizoram stands out as a testament to their growing strength in first-class cricket.

Key players to watch include:

• Ankit Bhandari (Wicketkeeper-Batsman): A consistent run-scorer and an aggressive finisher with the bat.
• Rajdeep Chatterjee (Bowler): A reliable medium-pacer who can exploit good conditions to take crucial wickets.
• Karanjeet Singh (Batsman): A solid top-order batsman who has shown the ability to anchor innings.

With a home advantage and a pitch that is likely to assist spin, Sikkim will look to dominate Bihar once again.

Bihar – Learning from Challenges

Bihar, while not as dominant as Sikkim, has made strides in the Plate Group. Their performances in recent matches have shown signs of improvement, particularly in their batting department. However, they need to be more consistent with the ball and in the field.

Key players to watch include:

• Rakesh Dhawan (Batsman): A steady middle-order player who has scored crucial runs in tight situations.
• Amit Mishra (Spinner): One of the standout spinners in the Plate Group, capable of turning matches with his guile.
• Abhishek Raut (Bowler): A quick bowler with a good strike rate, who can trouble batters with his pace and bounce.

Bihar will need to play disciplined cricket and take early wickets to put pressure on Sikkim’s batting lineup.

Head-to-Head Record

• Last Meeting (25-28 October 2025): Bihar vs Sikkim
  • Result: Bihar won by 32 runs (First Innings).
  • Bihar’s spin attack and disciplined batting were key to their victory.

This match in Rangpo presents Sikkim with an opportunity to avenge their recent loss and showcase their home prowess.

Venue and Pitch Insights

The SICA Ground, Rangpo is a relatively new venue in the Ranji Trophy but has already made a name for itself. The pitch here tends to be even, with a slight bias for spin as the game progresses. The outfield is quick, and the conditions are generally favorable for batting.

Given the spin-friendly nature of the pitch, it could be a match where spinners take the stage, especially in the second innings.

Prediction and Key Contests

Sikkim vs Bihar Prediction:
Sikkim are strong favorites to win this match, given their home advantage and the nature of the pitch. However, Bihar will look to use their experience and spin strength to challenge the home side.

Key Contests to Watch:

• Ankit Bhandari vs Amit Mishra: A battle between a destructive batsman and a crafty spinner.
• Rajdeep Chatterjee vs Rakesh Dhawan: A duel between a wicket-taking pacer and a composed middle-order batsman.
• Spin vs Bat: The spinners on both sides will be crucial in deciding the match.

Conclusion

This Sikkim vs Bihar clash at the SICA Ground promises to be an exciting four-day affair. While Sikkim will be buoyed by home support and a pitch that suits their spinners, Bihar will look to build on their recent win and test the mettle of the home side.

Cricket fans can look forward to a well-fought contest, with both teams vying for a crucial win in the Plate Group. The match will be broadcast live on Star Sports and available for streaming on JioCinema, ensuring that cricket enthusiasts don’t miss out on the action.

Final Prediction:
Sikkim to win by 50+ runs.
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