Internet Desk: A superb spell of fast bowling from Ashoke Dinda and Mohammad Shami raised hopes of a huge win for Bengal as they are just 5 wickets away in their Ranji Trophy group league match against Chhattisgarh in Raipur. Dinda, playing in his 100th first class match made it a memorable one as he just swept away the Chhattisgarh batting line up in the first innings. His bowling spell read 10.5-4-21-7. It was due to his lion hearted effort that helped Bengal skittled the home side for a paltry score of 110 runs from 39.5 overs. Trailing by a huge margin of 419 runs, the home side was rocked by Dinda’s bowling partner Mohammad Shami (45/4) as half of their side is back in the hut with still 190 runs required to save the match.
Earlier in the day, it was Dinda all the way as the Naichanpur Express could do nothing wrong. It was due to his lion hearted effort that Bengal was able to take such a substantial lead in the first innings.
According to Dinda, “It obviously feels good to have been able to take seven wickets on this occasion. But more importantly in the context of the match this is vital.”
“We have an advantage. Shami has bowled very well also and given us a good chance. We will give our best tomorrow when we go out. To win this match will be really special,” he added.
Aamir Gani gave the first breakthrough for Bengal in the second essay as he had opener S Gupta plumbed in front of the wicket. Abhimanyu Chauhan and Ashutosh Singh did raise some hopes for the home side as they stitched a partnership of 172 runs for the second wicket. As things started looking brighter for the home side, Mohammad Shami striked for Bengal. The India pacer got through the defence of Ashutosh Singh as he had him bowled for 71 runs. Shami soon followed it up with double strikes as he got rid of Chhattisgarh captain Mohammad Kaif (3) and AN Khare (0) in a span of three deliveries. He also took the wicket of centurion Abhimanyu Chauhan (115) in his next over. At stumps Chhattisgarh is struggling at 229/5, still needing 190 runs more to save the match with the last recognised batting pair Manoj Singh and Jatin Sahay Saxena at crease.