Pacers Akash Deep (4/67) and Mukesh Kumar (3/50) struck at regular intervals to help Bengal strike back in their Ranji Trophy Group A clash against Baroda at the Bengal Cricket Academy ground in Kalyani.
At stumps on Day I, Baroda, opting to bat first, were 222/7 with Mahesh Pithiya (27 batting) and S. Sopariya (5 batting) at the crease.
The two quicks’ impressive showing came in the presence of chief selector Chetan Sharma, who’s in Kalyani.
The visitors, even after a shaky start as they lost their first wicket with only 10 on the board after eight overs, were going strong at 106/1 in the post-lunch session.
Opener JK Singh (85) and No.3 batsman Priyanshu Moliya (50) had stitched a solid partnership and threatened to add more before Akashgave Bengal the much-needed breakthrough.
He had Moliya caught behind before Mukesh, in his first Ranji appearance this season, struck twice in quick succession, removing Barodacaptain Vishnu Solanki and Shashwat Rawat in the same over. The visitors had then slipped to 125 for 4.
Singh and NA Rathva (20)tried to forge a partnership for the fifth wicket, but Akash stood up once again. He hadRathva caught behind for his second wicket and soon picked up his third by cleaning up wicketkeeper Mitesh Patel. Akash took both wickets in the same over.
Singh and Pithiya’s stubborn 51-run stand began tofrustrate Bengal, till Akashtrapped the opener lbw.
Brief scores: Baroda 222/7 (JK Singh 85; A. Deep 4/67, M. Kumar 3/50) vs Bengal. At stumps, Day I.
