Anustup Majumdar was a bit unwell on the eve of Bengal’s Ranji Trophy Group A clash against Haryana. However, regaining fitness in time, Anustup produced another classy knock that propelled Bengal to 335/6 on Day I at Lahli near Rohtak.

Scoring his second century in this Ranji season, Anustup was batting on 137 with leftarm spinner Pradipta Pramanik (in place of Shahbaz Ahmed) on 23.

Anustup has so far hit 14 boundaries.

Bengal were making steady progress, but Harshal Patel (3/60)’s quick strikes — scalps of Abhimanyu Easwaran (57) and skipper Manoj Tiwary — had reduced them to 109/4 from 72/1. Debutant Suvankar Bal (30) and wicketkeeper Abishek Porel (49) then delivered to give Anustup the necessary support at that critical phase.

It was certainly a tough situation then for Bengal when they lost Tiwary, who perished for only 1. Thankfully, Suvankar remained calm and solid in his debut innings as that solidity eased matters for Anustup, enabling him to play his natural game.

The duo put on a crucial 92 in their fifth-wicket stand. Following Suvankar's departure, off the bowling of Patel, the robust Porel ensured Anustup's flow wasn't affected as the duo forged 95 for the sixth wicket.

Brief scores: Bengal 335/6 (A. Majumdar 137 batting, A. Easwaran57) vs Haryana. At stumps, DayI

Third ton by Sarfaraz

Sarfaraz Khan celebrates his century on Tuesday. PTI photo

Calcutta: Mumbai's Sarfaraz Khan continued with his run-making ways with another hundred in the Ranji Trophy.

On Tuesday at the Kotla against Delhi, Sarfaraz hit 125 off 155 balls, including 16 fours and four sixes, but Mumbai unfortunately imploded on either side of his innings and were bundled out for 293 on the opening day.

Batting at No.5, Sarfaraz scored his third century in eight innings this season. He has a total of 556 runs at an average of 111.20. In the 2021- 22 Ranji Trophy, he scored 982 runs at an average of 122.75.

But he is yet to get a national call-up, with his failure to make significant contributions for India A often cited as the reason for his exclusion.

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