Bengal will face Bihar in a Ranji Trophy Group-C match at the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) Academy ground in Kolkata, starting Friday. The hosts will be keen to secure full points after a positive start against Uttar Pradesh in their opening match.
Despite the absence of pacer Akash Deep due to national duty, Bengal managed a narrow 19-run lead and picked up three crucial points in Lucknow. The team’s intent was a big takeaway from the match, and they will look to build on that momentum.
Although the Eden Gardens is unavailable for Bengal’s next two outings, the Anustup Majumdar-led side will try to make the most of the home conditions at the CAB Academy ground. Centurion openers Sudip Chatterjee and Abhimanyu Easwaran, along with Sudip Gharami, provided assurance with their performances in the previous match.
Experienced hands Majumdar, Writtick Chatterjee, and wicketkeeper-batter Abishek Porel will be eager to contribute with the bat. Wriddhiman Saha is doubtful due to a stiff back.
Mukesh Kumar, who captured six wickets in the opening match, led the way for Bengal’s pace attack. Mohammed Kaif provided good support, but Mukesh will take rest to manage his workload.
Shahbaz Ahmed, who scored 44 runs and took five wickets in the previous match, underlined his worth with both bat and ball and might play a key role again.
Bihar, on the other hand, began its Ranji campaign on a disastrous note, suffering an innings defeat against Haryana. The only positive for them was the success of their spin duo, leg-break bowler Himanshu Singh (four wickets) and left-arm spinner Sachin Kumar (three wickets).
While Bihar will face an uphill task, the hosts, keeping in mind Thursday’s shower, will try to wrap up the match quickly. “There is a bit of uncertainty due to the rain. But we will give our best,” said Bengal coach Laxmi Ratan Shukla.
