Internet Desk: Proving the critics wrong, Manoj Tiwary led Bengal cricket team have reached the semifinals of the Ranji Trophy 2017-18 today as they had a first innings lead over defending champions Gujarat. They will face Delhi in the Semifinals in Pune which is set to start from December 17. After the 2013-14 season it was the first time that Bengal have reached the semifinals of the tournament.
Writtick had already scored his maiden first class double century on Sunday. He got out on 216 today and was adjudged Man of the Match for his brilliant performance. On the other hand veteran Anustup Majumder remained not out on 132. He is in a red hot form as he scored centuries in both the innings against Goa during their last league match at the Eden Gardens. This was his third century in last four innings and it was also his seventh first-class ton.
Resuming the final day’s play on 483 for 4 wickets Bengal scored 695 for 6 before the umpire decided to end the game as a draw due to poor light.
This is the third season for Sairaj Bahutule as the coach of Bengal. On being asked about the team’s performance, he said,” In my first season as coach, Bengal reached the quarterfinals of the tournament. Last season we failed to reach the knockouts by a whisker, but this season we have finally reached the semis. Though this is not the end as we want to reach the final and win it too.”
He lauded the performances of the junior players too,” I don’t want to take any particular name today as all the youngsters played well in this match. If Sudip gets fit for the semis, it would be a big boost for us.”