A truly historic Ranji Trophy match unfolded between Assam and Services, shattering records to become the shortest game in 63 years. The entire contest wrapped up in a mere 90 overs at the Tinsukia District Sports Association Ground in Kachujan.
Services clinched a convincing eight-wicket victory over Assam, marking their second consecutive win in the 2025/26 season. This followed their previous triumph against Tripura in Delhi.
Assam’s first innings was a dismal affair, as they were bowled out for just 103 runs in a mere 17.2 overs. This collapse was orchestrated by exceptional bowling from Arjun Sharma and Mohit Jangra. Sharma delivered an impressive 5/46, while Jangra contributed with 3/5. Remarkably, both bowlers achieved hat-tricks in the same innings – a feat unprecedented in first-class cricket history.
In response, Services secured a modest five-run lead, scoring 108 runs in 29.2 overs. For Assam, Riyan Parag showcased his best-ever bowling performance, snagging 5 wickets for just 25 runs, with Rahul Singh adding valuable support by taking four wickets.
Assam’s troubles continued in their second innings, as they once again folded quickly, being dismissed for 75 runs in 29.3 overs. Only three batsmen managed to reach double-digit scores, and a worrying four players were out for ducks.
Services comfortably chased down the target of 71 runs in just 13.5 overs, losing only two wickets, both claimed by Riyan Parag.
The entire match concluded in an astonishing 90 overs, equivalent to 540 balls. A staggering 25 wickets fell on the first day, with the remaining seven falling on the second morning. This performance eclipsed the previous record for the shortest Ranji Trophy game, which stood at 547 balls set in 1962 during a match between Delhi and Railways.
Globally, the record for the shortest first-class match belongs to the Faisalabad versus Karachi Blues game in the 2004-05 Quaid-e-Azam Trophy, which lasted an even shorter 85 balls due to Karachi Blues forfeiting their first innings. The shortest completed first-class match in history was played between Tasmania and Victoria in 1851, concluding in 352 balls.