Internet Desk: A fiery spell of fast bowling from Ashoke Dinda kept Bengal in the hunt for a first innings lead against Railways in Ranji Trophy Group A clash at Dharamasala on Thursday. Bengal after getting bowled out for 205 runs are fighting back, as they had Railways reduced to 37/4 at stumps after Day 1. Railways still trail by 168 runs with 6 wickets in hand.
Bengal captain Manoj Tiwary reckon his team’s first target will be to get a first innings lead tomorrow. According to Manoj, “Our first target will be to get a first innings lead. There has been plenty of movement from the wicket throughout the day. The fact that 14 wickets have fallen in the day proves there is a lot of help for the pace bowlers. I have told my bowlers to bowl outside the off-stump in the area of uncertainty.”
Ashoke Dinda gave Bengal a quick breakthrough by removing Railways opener Saurabh Wakaskar in his first over, getting him caught of his own bowling. The India pacer struck again in his fifth over, getting rid of Mrunal Devdhar. He was caught by Pankaj Shaw for only 17 runs.
Later after the day’s play Dinda spoke to xtratime.in on his performance and the situation they are placed in. “We are back in the fight. Our primary target will be to see the back of Mahesh Rawat as early as possible. He is someone who can score some quick runs. Both Sayan and Kuila are giving me good support.”
Right arm medium pacer Sayan Ghosh striked in the next over as he had Cheluvaraj caught by Wriddhiman for a duck. Railways were reduced to 30/3 after 11.2 overs. Amit Kuila, who shined with the ball in his debut match, had Arindam Ghosh bowled for 4 runs. Railways innings was in complete disarray with the score on 34/4.
Bengal was bowled out for 205 runs in 69.5 overs. Abhimanyu Easwaran, who showed promise in the first match against Uttar Pradesh, was the first man to be dismissed. He managed only 8 runs before edging an away delivery from Anureet Singh to Railways keeper Mahesh Rawat. Bengal was 10/1. It was the second failure for the talented opening batsman.
Last match centurion Sayan Sekhar Mondal along with Sudip Chatterjee withered the early storm. Railways fast bowler Amit Mishra bowled Sayan Sekhar Mondal (25) to put an end to the partnership which looked promising. Both Sayan and Sudip added 52 runs for the second wicket. Amit inflicted body blow to Bengal batting as he got rid of Captain Manoj Tiwary and India stumper Wriddhiman Saha in a span of 5 balls in the 22nd over. Bengal was soon reduced to 62/4.
Sudip, who held fort at one end, stitched another valuable partnership of 66 runs with young Agniv Pan. Medium pacer Karan Thakur got Pan Leg Before for 27 runs. Pankaj Shaw’s short stay at the wicket came to an end as Thakur had him caught by Arindam Ghosh for 4 runs.
Anureet Singh gave Railways a huge breakthrough as he had Sudip caught and bowled. Sudip scored a gritty 85 runs. Bengal (152/7) at that time was in danger of getting bowled out below 200 runs.
Ashoke Dinda, who threw his bat around, scored a quick fire 30 runs off 24 balls. His knock included 5 hits to the fence. He was dismissed by leg spinner Karn Sharma. Anureet Singh came back again to polish off the tail. He got the wickets of Aamir Gani and Amit Kuila. Both were dismissed in a similar fashion edging out to wicket keeper Mahesh Rawat. Bengal was bowled out for just 205 runs in 69.5 overs. Singh was the most successful bowler for Railways getting 4 wickets for 66 runs. Amit Mishra returned with 38/3.
Earlier, Railways captain Karn Sharma did not hesitate to put Bengal in after winning the toss. Bengal made two changes to their squad that played against Punjab in the last match. Sreevats Goswami made way for Wriddhiman Saha, while Sayan Ghosh and Aamir Gani came in for Ayan Bhattacharya and Pragyan Ojha. Left arm spinner Pragyan Ojha had a stiff neck due to which he was rested.
Brief Scores:
Bengal 205 all out(Sudip Chatterjee 85 ; Anureet Singh 4/66, Amit Mishra 3/38)
Railways 37/4(Mrunal Devdhar 17; Ashoke Dinda 2/17).