Arup Das topples Abu from record book

Our Sports Reporter

GUWAHATI: Arup Das became the highest wicket taker among the pacers from Assam in first class cricket. He touched the milestone during his five-wicket haul in the first innings.

Earlier the record was in the name of veteran pacer Abu Nechim Ahmed who collected 167 wickets from 64 matches. With five wickets in the first innings Arup took his tally to 168. Later he also collected another four wickets in the second innings.

Talking to the media persons just after the day’s play Arup said, “The match is memorable one for me as I am playing the 50th first class game of my career. Nice to see I touched the mile stone in this game. “

“Making record always give nice feeling. I am obviously happy. However my target is to collect 300 first class wickets before I hang my boots and I will work hard to reach that goal,” he added.

He also appreciated young pacer Mukhtar Hussain for his performance in the season. “Both Ranjeet and me have the experience to play at the senior level but Mukhtar is new in the circuit. But the way he has been bowling in every match is superb. He has very good future.”

Meanwhile Gokul Sarma is really upset losing the second century in the season this morning. “Yes, I should reach three figure runs today,’ said the dejected batsman. He also praised Arup and Mukhtar for giving him accompany at the lower order which helped Assam to put respectable total in the first innings. “I tried to face maximum balls today. Although Arup, who gave me good support yesterday, didn’t stay long today but Mukhtar played a gutsy knock.”

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