Table-toppers Bengal remained on course for a sixth win of the season after dismissing Haryana for just 100 on Day 2 of their final Ranji Trophy Group C league match on Friday. With 18 wickets tumbling during the day, Bengal, already assured of a quarterfinal spot, finished at 155 for 3 at close, with skipper Abhimanyu Easwaran holding firm on 61 off 125 balls. Their overall lead now stands at 248 runs.
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Haryana, currently second with 24 points, could face trouble if they lose, as Uttarakhand (22 points) has a chance to overtake them, holding an advantage in their final fixture against Assam in Dehradun. Bengal’s success was powered by a lethal bowling combination: pacer Akash Deep (5/40) and left-arm spinner Shahbaz Ahmed (5/42) wrapped up Haryana’s innings in just 31.1 overs. The duo’s dominance meant Bengal relied on just three bowlers, with Mukesh Kumar bowling only five overs. Earlier in the day, Bengal themselves had lost their last five wickets in 12.3 overs, being bowled out for 193 after resuming at 168 for 5 overnight.
Chandela stars in Uttarakhand win push
Uttarakhand took firm control of their Group C clash against Assam in Dehradun, declaring at a commanding 460 for 7, led by skipper Kunal Chandela’s maiden first-class double century (207). Left-arm spinner Mayank Mishra returned impressive figures of 3/26 from 23 overs as Assam struggled to 91 for 4, trailing by 369 runs.
Resuming on 279 for 3, Chandela and Lakshya Raichandani (86 off 173 balls) stitched together a double-century partnership before Raichandani’s dismissal. Avneesh Sudha added a quick 36 not out off 44 balls before Chandela opted for a sporting declaration. A win for Uttarakhand would allow them to leapfrog Haryana and qualify for the quarterfinals alongside Bengal.
Hingrajia leads Gujarat fightback
Gujarat also made headlines as skipper Manan Hingrajia produced a masterful 150 not out, his fourth first-class century to guide his side to 352 all out after resuming at 267 for 7 with 98 runs. Hingrajia faced 346 balls, striking 18 fours and a six in his marathon innings.
Tripura fought back, reaching 208 for 3, with experienced India internationals Vijay Shankar (51) and Hanuma Vihari (40) steadying the innings. Earlier, Manisankar Murasingh starred with the ball for Tripura, taking 4/52, while Abhijit Sarkar claimed 3/70. Gujarat lead by 144 runs at the close.
(By PTI Inputs)
