Assam secures bonus point victory in Vijay Hazare Trophy match

Assam thrashed minnows Tripura by eight wickets in a low-scoring tie of the Vijay Hazare Trophy (East Zone) at the Eden Gardens here today. Opting to bat, Tripura were bundled out for a mere 109 in 37 overs with Assam off-spinner Gokul Sharma returning with a career-best 4/27. Tripura skipper Ajay Ratra (28) was their top scorer as they struggled to put on a partnership. In reply, Assam raced to the target in 23 overs that handed them a bonus point as they climbed to the top of the East Zone table with five points, ahead of Bengal (4). Chasing the paltry target, the opening duo of former Maharashtra skipper Dhiraj Jadhav (18) and Pallavkumar Das (40 from 41 balls; 7x4) put on a 51-run stand before Sibsankar Roy (22 not out) and Sharma (20 not out) steered the side home. BRIEF SCORES Tripura 109; 37 overs (Ajay Ratra 28; Gokul Sharma 4/27). Assam 110/2; 23 overs (Pallavkumar Das 40). Assam won by 8 wickets.