Ranji Trophy: First Innings Lead Over Odisha Helps Bengal Enter Semis After A Draw

Cuttack: Bengal sealed a spot in the semi-finals of Ranji Trophy by virtue of their first innings lead over Odisha after bad light interrupted the play on the final day at the DRIEMS College ground at Tangi, on the outskirts of Cuttack, on Monday.

Resuming their overnight score of 361 for seven, Bengal lost the remaining three wickets for 12 runs in six overs.

Chasing an impossible target of 456 on the last day of the match, Odisha were 39 for no loss in 10 overs when bad light interrupted the play. With two more sessions to go, the teams then agreed for a draw.

With their crucial first innings lead of 82 runs, Bengal edged past Odisha to set the clash with Karnataka in the semifinal at Eden Gardens, beginning February 29.

Anustup Majumdar, who scored a career-best 157 to help Bengal reach 332 runs after his team was reduced to 46 for 5 in their first innings, was adjudged the Man of the Match.

Brief Scores:

Bengal: 332 and 373; 138 overs (Shreevats Goswami 78, Shahbaz Ahmed 64, Abhishek Raman 67, Arnab Nandi 45, Koushik Ghohsh 41).

Odisha: 250 and 39 for no loss; 10 overs.

Result: Match drawn.