After being rolled over for 88 within the first innings, Bengal pulled off a come-from-behind win in opposition to Baroda in Cuttack.
Chasing 349 on the fourth day, Bengal rode on the duo of Shahbaz Ahmed (71 not out) and debutant wicketkeeper Abhishek Porel (53 not out), who stitched an unbroken 108-run partnership for the seventh wicket to steer their staff dwelling.
Bengal’s deputy sports activities minister and former skipper Manoj Tiwary confirmed his expertise with a combating 37 from 61 balls. Reeling at 242 for six, Bengal unearthed a future star within the 19-year-old Abhishek, who confirmed utmost maturity and matched his senior associate, Shahbaz. The duo sealed the victory in 91.3 overs.
Speaking to The Indian Express, Bengal head coach Arun Lal stated: “Terrific performance, the wicket was extremely difficult to bat on as it was overcast and the wicket stayed moist till lunch.”
Match Update, Day 4: Bengal v Baroda – #RanjiTrophy#Baroda 1st Inn – 181/10#Bengal 1st Inn – 88/10
Baroda 2nd Inn – 255/10
Bengal 2nd Inn – 350/6 in 91.3 overs#AEaswaran 79(116), #Shahbaz 71*(100), #APorel 53*(70)#DPatel 2/54, #ASingh 3/73
Bengal gained by 4 wickets.#CAB pic.twitter.com/986V1SCQMA
— CABCricket (@CabCricket) February 20, 2022
Lal heaped reward on Shahbaz and Porel. He stated, “Shahbaz has an unbelievable cricket mind and remained calm beneath strain. Abhishek Porel is a particular expertise, an out and out match-winner. Now the momentum is with us, and we hope to play good cricket within the match.”
Bengal skipper Abhimanyu Easwaran praised each the batters and bowlers for the outstanding comeback.
“Every player has contributed to the cause, as the batters have shown character the bowlers have done commendable jobs too,” Easwaran stated. “It’s about believing within the exhausting work that now we have put in. The better part is even after we had 349 runs to chase, each single member of the staff believed that we will do the job.
“Shahbaz has batted with a lot of responsibility, special mention to Abhishek Porel- the character he showed, the attitude he was batting with was great to watch,” the skipper added.
Brief Scores: Baroda: 181 and 255 misplaced to Bengal 88 and 350/6 in 91.3 overs (Abhimanyu Easwaran 79, Shahbaz Ahmed 71 not out, Abhishek Porel 53 not out; Abhimanyusingh Rajput 3/73) by 4 wickets
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With inputs from TheIndianEXPRESS
