Bengal are well placed to reach the knockout stages of the ongoing Ranji Trophy.

On the third and penultimate day of their final group stage clash versus Chandigarh in Cuttack, Bengal set the opposition a daunting target of 413 and then had them wobbling at 14 for 2 at stumps at the Barabati Stadium.

Captain Abhimanyu Easwaran and his men need eight more wickets to finish the group stage with wins in all three games. Even if they are unable to win this contest, Bengal are assured of three points as they took a lead of 231 runs after limiting Chandigarh to 206 in their first innings.

“Eight more wickets are still required, but I’m confident we’ll win this one as well,” head coach Arun Lal said.

“Ever since we kicked off with our preparations this season, the focus has been on winning each and every game. And that has been the mindset of these players. They know that in order to win the tournament, the team needs to win all the matches and keep the momentum going.

“So far the players have responded very well. I just hope they keep doing the same thing tomorrow (Sunday) as well,” Lal stressed.

Bengal’s performance on Saturday was mainly about collective effort. After Chandigarh resumed at 133 for 6, quicks Ishan Porel and Mukesh Kumar struck twice and once each, respectively. Shahbaz Ahmed was the other wicket-taker to help Bengal take a 231-run first innings lead.

After declaring their second innings at 181/8, Mukesh and Ishan struck again to remove Chandigarh openers Arslan Khan and Harnoor Singh cheaply, putting Bengal very much in the driving seat.

In Bengal’s second essay, Anustup Majumdar top-scored with 43.

Brief scores: Bengal 437 & 181/8 decl. (A. Majumdar 43, A. Porel 38). Chandigarh 206 & 14/2. At stumps, Day III.