Sudip Kumar Gharami and Manoj Tiwary hit match-winning half-centuries each to steer Bengal to a seven-wicket victory over Baroda in their Ranji Trophy Elite Group A clash at the Bengal Cricket Academy ground at Kalyani on Friday.

Chasing 177, Gharami (76 not out) and skipper Manoj (60 not out) stitched together an unbeaten 126-run partnership for the fourth wicket to take take Bengal to victory on the fourth and final day.

The win helped Bengal bag six crucial points which helped them climb to the top of Group A with 25 points from five games, with three wins and two draws. Uttarakhand, with 23 points from five games, are in second spot.

Bengal will next take on Haryana in Lahli from Tuesday followed by their last Group stage match against Odisha at Eden Gardens from January 24.

Brief scores: Baroda 269 & 98. Bengal 191 & 179/3 (S. Gharami 76 not out, M. Tiwary 60 not out). Bengal won by 7 wickets.