History has been created! In the Ranji Trophy’s 80-year history, Services has become the first-ever team to win a match by a margin of 1 run. The team created the record in the ongoing Ranji Trophy 2024 season during the Services vs Haryana match in Elite Group A.
In what was a low-scoring match, a close finish was always on the cards. Batting first, Services managed to put just 108 on the board. However, that proved to be good enough for Haryana, who were skittled out for just 103.
In the second inning, Services performed a little bit better, scoring 140 runs, with Rajat Paliwal top-scoring with a counter-attacking 86 off 92 balls. With 146 sets as their target, Services reduced Haryana to 84/6 and seemed on their way. But Sumit Kumar had other ideas.
The all-rounder stood tall when it mattered the most. However, he got no support from the other end, with wickets tumbling left and right. With just 2 runs to win, Aman Kumar was bowled by Pulkit Narang, and Sumit Kumar was left stranded on 37 as Services claimed a historic 1-run win.
Closest wins in the Ranji Trophy (in runs)
Winner | Margin | Target | Overs | Opposition | Ground | Match Date |
Services | 1 run | 146 | 41.2 | Haryana | Rohtak | 2 Feb 2024 |
Jharkhand | 2 runs | 260 | 101.3 | Odisha | Ranchi | 6 Dec 2018 |
Bengal | 4 runs | 185 | 81.5 | Tamil Nadu | Chennai | 30 Dec 2013 |
Saurashtra | 4 runs | 276 | 78.1 | Delhi | Vadodara | 7 Dec 2016 |
Vidarbha | 5 runs | 198 | 59.1 | Karnataka | Eden Gardens | 17 Dec 2017 |