Bengal’s quest for a Ranji Trophy title received a major boost on Friday after the Laxmi Ratan Shukla-coached side stormed into quarterfinals after a thumping innings and 50-run victory over Haryana in their Elite Group A match at the Chaudhary Bansi Lal Cricket Stadium in Lahli.
Bengal pacer Akash Deep (5-51), who was outstanding with the ball in both the innings, bagged a 10-wicket haul in the match. Mukesh Kumar (3-62) and Ishan Porel (2-42) also impressed as Haryana, following on in their second innings, were bundled out for just 206, after their first innings score of 163.
Earlier, Bengal posted a massive 419 in their first innings, thanks to Anustup Majumdar (145).
The victory helped Manoj Tiwary-led side remain on top of Group A with 32 points from six games having won four and drawn two.
They still have a game in hand in the league phase against Odisha at the Eden Gardens starting on Tuesday.
Earlier, resuming the day from overnight score of 177/7, the home side managed to add only 29 runs before their innings folded in 79th over.
Bengal head coach LR Shukla was happy with the team’s performance but wanted his boys to stay grounded.
“Good win yes but we have a long way to go. There is no place for complacency. There is no place for celebration. We need to work hard and fight together as a team,” said LR Shukla.
