Bengal made a statement in their
Delhi, resuming the day at 101 for three, struggled to build a substantial total and were eventually dismissed for 277 in 106.2 overs. Captain Ayush Badoni provided the primary resistance with a resilient 85 off 134 balls, while Anuj Rawat contributed 39. Despite their efforts, the visitors could not prevent Bengal from maintaining control of the match.
Bengal's Clinical Bowling and Efficient Chase
Pradipta Pramanik spearheaded the Bengal bowling attack, claiming three wickets, while Aamir Gani and Sumanta Gupta chipped in with two apiece. The pace trio of Mohammed Shami, Akash Deep, and Mukesh Kumar each accounted for one wicket, ensuring the pressure remained on the Delhi batting lineup throughout the morning session. Following Badoni's dismissal, the lower order provided minor resistance, but the target remained well within reach for the home side.
In the second innings, Bengal required only 15.3 overs to reach their target. Ankur Paul set the tone with a brisk 38 off 41 balls. Captain Abhimanyu Easwaran remained unbeaten on 34, while Sudip Gharami, who had previously notched a century in the first innings, saw the team home with an undefeated 16.
Gujarat Dominates Odisha as Other Group C Matches Conclude
In Ahmedabad, Gujarat enjoyed a successful start to their campaign under new coach Monty Desai, securing a 10-wicket win over Odisha. Left-arm spinner
Chasing a target of 47, Gujarat completed the victory in just 9.3 overs without losing a wicket, earning a valuable bonus point in the process. Elsewhere in Group C, the match between Jharkhand and Kerala ended in a draw, with Jharkhand securing three points via a first-innings lead. All-rounder Utkarsh Singh earned Player of the Match honors for his 71 runs and five-wicket haul. Additionally, Maharashtra recorded a 127-run victory over Services in their respective fixture.
