The loss to Chandigarh in the inconsequential group-phase game aside, Bengal have had most things right in the ongoing Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 Trophy.

Their real battle, though, begins with the competition’s knockout phase as they take on Himachal Pradesh in the quarter-final tie at the 22 Yards School of Cricket ground in Salt Lake on Tuesday.

Abhimanyu Easwaran and his teammates are cautious of the fact that all their good work during the group phase would count for nothing if they are unable to win the quarter-final game.

Inability to cross the last eight stage has been a concern for Bengal in the last couple of seasons, and for sure they are keen to cross that hurdle this time around.

Home advantage should be a factor and with the pitch likely to offer more turn as the game progresses, Bengal are finalising their XI accordingly. Three spinners in the form of Pradipta Pramanik, Writtick Chatterjee and all-rounder Shahbaz Ahmed will most likely be part of the XI, while the coaching staff is also keeping off-spinner Karan Lal ready. Either he or left-arm quick Ravi Kumar could be Bengal’s Impact Player.

Bengal would also hope quicks Mukesh Kumar and Akash Deep fire with the new ball.

Bowling-wise, there isn’t too much concern as it’s mainly their batting that could be a worry. Shahbaz’s current form does bode well but what happens if he fails to click with the bat? It’s high time the other batters, including captain Easwaran, pull in their weight and come up with significant contributions.

Himachal have no stars. But in white-ball cricket, none can be taken lightly.