The Ranji Trophy Group-C match between Bengal and Kerala ended in a dull draw at the Jadavpur University ground on Tuesday due to the massive loss of play on the first two days caused by the impact of Cyclone Dana.
Resuming from 267 for seven, Kerala declared at 356 for nine, adding 89 quick runs in 18 overs in the morning. Overnight batters Salman Nizar and Mohammed Azharuddeen formed a 124-run partnership for the eighth wicket to guide Kerala to a position of strength.
Azharuddeen (84, 97b, 11x4s, 2x6s) shouldered the responsibility and plundered 54, including six fours and two sixes off Shahbaz Ahmed and Mohammed Kaif, off 49 deliveries before falling to Kaif. Ishan Porel removed Nidheesh M.D. to pick up his sixth wicket.
When Kerala declared its innings, Nizar (95 n.o., 262b, 8x4s, 1×6) was five short of what would have been his maiden ton.
Chasing an improbable 357 in a little more than two sessions, Bengal openers, debutant Shuvam Dey (67, 113b, 7×4, 1×6) and Sudip Chatterjee (57, 102b, 9×4), batted sensibly to score half-centuries and put up 101 runs on an unresponsive track.
Jalaj Saxena trapped Chatterjee lbw in the middle session, while Aditya Sarvate claimed Dey and Avilin Ghosh in consecutive overs after tea. Anustup Majumdar and Sudip Gharami displayed some patience and gamesmanship to last more than 22 overs as the match dragged on until bad light halted play.
The match ended in a draw, with both teams securing one point apiece as the first innings could not be completed.
