Bengal log six points with nine-wicket win over Delhi in Ranji Trophy season opener

The Delhi lower-order put up a stubborn resistance but Bengal finally pulled off a win in their opening Ranji Trophy encounter at the Bengal Cricket Academy ground in Kalyani on Wednesday.

Delhi, resuming on 101/3, were all out for 277 in their second innings, setting Bengal an 89-run target. Only losing debutant Ankur Paul, Bengal brought up the runs in 15.3 overs to register a nine-wicket win and secure six points from their opener.

Captain Abhimanyu Easwaran (34 not out) and his deputy Sudip Gharami (16 not out) helped the side to the target.

This was an excellent chance for Bengal to bag all seven points had they registered an innings victory or reached the target without losing any wicket.

“There’s a bit of a regret on not being able to log all seven points. But nonetheless, it was a good, positive start to our campaign, which is very important,” Easwaran said later.

Keeper-batter Abishek Porel was adjudged Man of the Match following his 149.

Shami stays

For their next two games, both away encounters against Services and Kerala beginning from Sunday and October 26, respectively, Bengal will have ace spinner all-rounder Shahbaz Ahmed back in the squad. Senior pacer Mohammed Shami, who finished with five wickets against Delhi, including a four-for in the first essay, has also been included for the two matches.

Shami will most likely feature in the Services game, to be played at Palam. Quicks Mukesh Kumar and Akash Deep will not be available because of their India A commitments.

Brief scores: Delhi 240 & 277 (Ayush Badoni 85; Pradipta Pramanik 3/72). Bengal 429 & 89/1. Bengal won by 9 wkts.