Internet Desk: Turbunator Harbhajan Singh failed to inspire Punjab on Day 1 of their crucial Ranji Trophy Group D clash against Bengal at Gandhi Ground in Amritsar. The hosts find themselves in a spot after they were restricted for only 147 runs in the first innings. Debutant left-arm spinner of Bengal, Pradipta Pramanik and B. Amit picked three wickets each. The visitors at stumps are cruising comfortably at 76/0 as they still trail by 71 runs. Veteran India cricketer Harbhajan Singh playing in his first Ranji clash of the season scored just 4 runs and is yet to get a wicket.
Punjab started off the day well at 31/0 in 9 overs. As skipper brought the debutant into the attack, the leg arm spinner gave the breakthrough by picking up in-form Jiwanjot Singh. While Dinda got better of Uday Kaul, Pradipta caught Anmolpreet Singh in front of the wicket for 12. Post-lunch Ishan Porel picked up Gurkeerat Maan leaving Punjab at 62/4. Opener Subham Gill tried to steady the innings with two partnerships of 33 and 28 runs with Abhishek Gupta and Abhishek Sharma. While Gupta was cleaned up by B. Amit, Aamir Gani got through the defence of Shubham Gill(63). Then other batsmen joined the procession as the Punjab innings folded up for 147. Pradipta and B. Amit claimed three wickets each; Ashoke Dinda, Ishan Porel and Aamir Gani registered their name against wicket-column sharing wicket a piece.
Abhishek Raman and Abhimanyu Eshwaran opened Bengal innings cautiously and went to tea without any harm at 18/0 in 5 overs. Both the openers were determined to provide a solid start as they constructed the innings with patience. In-between the duo hit some delicate shots. Raman smashed six boundaries and one six while Eshwaran hit five boundaries. They ensured no-hiccups in the way as Bengal finished their day at 76/0, trailing by 71 runs. At stumps, Raman remained unbeaten on 42 and Eshwaran stood with Raman on 33.
Brief Scores:
Punjab – 147 all out in 46 overs (Shubham Gill 63 P. Pramanik-3/41, B Amit – 3/31)
Bengal – 76 for no loss after 26 overs (A. Raman – 42, Easwaran – 33)