Bengal crushed Assam by an innings and 162 runs inside three days in their Round IV Ranji Trophy clash at Barasapara in Guwahati on Sunday.

Securing seven points from this game has brightened Bengal’s hopes of making the knockout stage of the competition.

Pacer Suraj Sindhu Jaiswal, hitting 52 and taking three wickets in the first innings, registered his maiden fifer (5/43) in his debut first-class season as Assam were bundled out for 140 in their second essay after being asked to follow on.

Debutant left-arm spinner Ankit Mishra and offie Karan Lal picked up two wickets apiece.

Assam captain Riyan Parag’s inability to bat owing to a shoulder injury made matters easier for Bengal’s bowlers.

That said, some credit has to be given to this relatively inexperienced bowling attack that delivered in a must-win situation.

Brief scores: Bengal 405. Assam 103 & 140 (SS Jaiswal 5/43). Bengal won by an innings & 162 runs.