Bengal took a big stride towards securing a Ranji Trophy knockout round berth.

On Day II of their final group stage clash versus Chandigarh in Cuttack, Bengal stretched their first innings total to 437 after resuming at 329 for 6 and thereafter, their bowlers delivered once again.

At stumps on Friday, Chandigarh were wobbling at 133 for 6 as Bengal are now in with a great opportunity of taking a lead and confirming three points. If they are able to do so, a place in the knockout stage is guaranteed for Abhimanyu Easwaran and his teammates.

Bengal’s performers for the day were all-rounder Sayan Shekhar Mondal and pacer Nilkantha Das, who has replaced an injured Akash Deep. Mondal remained unbeaten on 97, which was key to stretching Bengal’s total past 400, while Nilkantha vindicated the team management’s faith in him by picking up three wickets.

Earlier in the day, Manoj Tiwary couldn’t add more than 11 to his overnight score of 42, departing off the bowling of medium pacer Jagjit Singh (5/87). At 350 for 7 and with only the tail remaining, chances of reaching 400 looked remote for Bengal.

But a resolute and determined Mondal kept the scoreboard ticking with right strokes, while he also got able assistance from No.9 Mukesh Kumar (28), who hung around for 57 balls. That certainly added to Mondal’s confidence as the pair put on a vital 72 for the eighth wicket.

With the ball too, Mondal struck twice with his medium-pace bowling, having given away only 10 runs off his eight overs so far.

“It really feels wonderful to get back to playing for Bengal,” Mondal said later.

Brief scores: Bengal 437 (SS Mondal 97 n.o.; J. Singh 5/87). Chandigarh 133/6 (N. Das 3/25). At stumps, Day II.