Shahbaz Ahmed's 6-Wicket Haul Puts Bengal Ahead in Ranji Clash

Kolkata, Oct 27 (PTI) — In a dominant performance, left-arm spinner Shahbaz Ahmed delivered a remarkable spell, taking 6 wickets for just 34 runs, as Bengal dismissed Gujarat for a modest 167. Subsequently, Bengal reached 170 for 6 in their second innings by the end of the third day of their Ranji Trophy Group C match at the Eden Gardens.

Gujarat, resuming their innings at 107 for 7, couldn't withstand the pressure from Bengal's bowling attack. Despite a gritty knock of 80 off 252 deliveries by skipper Manan Hingrajia, Gujarat's innings concluded in 76.3 overs. Besides Ahmed's spin brilliance, Mohammed Shami lent great support by claiming 3 wickets for 44 runs.

In Bengal's second innings, an opening partnership of 55 in 14.5 overs between Sudip Kumar Gharami (54) and captain Abhimanyu Easwaran (25) provided a steady start. Currently, Anustup Majumdar is at the crease unbeaten on 44, alongside Ahmed who contributed a handy 20. Bengal holds a substantial lead of 282 runs, setting up an exciting final day.

Siddharth Desai was the standout bowler for Gujarat with figures of 4 for 48, while Arzan Nagwaswalla claimed 2 for 58, trying to keep their team in the contest.

Meanwhile, in a simultaneous Group C match at Ramnagar, Uttarakhand was positioned at 310 for 5 in response to Railways' 333, with a day's play remaining. Standout performances included Yuvraj Chaudhary's 92, Bhupen Lalwani’s 78, and a captain's knock of 50 from Kunal Chandela. Kunal Yadav impressed for Railways by collecting 3 wickets for 64 runs.

Brief Scores:

Kolkata: Bengal 279 & 170 for 6 in 48 overs (Sudip Kumar Gharami 54; Siddharth Desai 4/48) vs Gujarat 167 all out in 76.3 overs (Manan Hingrajia 80 not out; Shahbaz Ahmed 6/34).

Ramnagar: Railways 333 (Mohammad Saif 131, Bhargav Merai 89*; Mayank Mishra 6/84) vs Uttarakhand 310 for 5 in 122 overs (Yuvraj Chaudhary 92, Bhupen Lalwani 78; Kunal Yadav 3/64).

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