Mohammed Kaif continues to play a crucial role for Bengal in their Ranji Trophy clash against Uttar Pradesh (UP) at the Green Park in Kanpur.
After an all-round showing in the first innings, Mohammed Shami’s younger brother has stood up with the ball once again, having taken three wickets so far in UP’s second innings. At stumps on Day III, the home team reached 178/4 in their second essay, but thanks to Kaif, their lead so far is only 50.
No wonder Kaif’s performance on Sunday has helped Bengal to have their nose ahead in this game. But on Monday, the final day of the game, the rest of the bowlers too need to buck up and have something to show for in the wickets column.
Given the fragility of Bengal’s batting line-up and the kind of performance senior pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar had put in with his 8/41 in the first innings, any target close to 150 or more could well put UP in an advantageous position. It’s important thus for the likes of Ishan Porel, his junior pace colleague and debutant Suraj Sindhu Jaiswal and off-spinner Pradipta Pramanik to strike as well instead of leaving Kaif with everything to do.
Besides, UP still have their captain Nitish Rana at the crease, batting on 47 (off 43 balls) at a strike rate of 109.30. Rana, coming in at No.3, has been solid right from the onset and looked to take the attack to the opposition bowlers.
Till the left-hander is at the crease, the pressure will be on the Bengal bowlers as his ability to score quick runs could very well shift the momentum towards UP. It’s imperative for Bengal to get rid of Rana early in the first session on Monday before he makes any real damage.
Brief scores: UP 60 & 178/4 (S. Singh 54, N. Rana 47 batting; M. Kaif 3/72). Bengal 188. At stumps, Day III.
Saurashtra setback at home
Rajkot: Haryana humbled defending champions Saurashtra in their own backyard by winning a low-scoring Ranji Trophy game by four wickets on Sunday.
Resuming Day III at 148/6, Saurashtra stretched their second innings to 220 all out with the help of skipper Jaydev Unadkat (23) and Parth Bhut (47), setting a 166-run target for Haryana.
Haryana did experience some anxious moments having lost three quick wickets, but they managed to get home in the final session. Ashok Menaria (58 not out) anchored the chase.
Saurashtra let the game slip away from them on the opening day when they were bundled out for 145. Haryana made 200 in their first innings.
In another game, left-arm spinner Shams Mulani’s nine-wicket haul to put Mumbai on the brink of a big win against Andhra.
Mulani scalped an impressive 6/65 wickets in the first innings to help Mumbai shoot out Andhra for 184 in 72 overs. Forced to bat again, Andhra were 164/5, with Mulani taking 3/63. Andhra still trail by 47 runs.
With inputs from PTI
