Bengal’s Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 Trophy campaign started on a disappointing note as Maharashtra thrashed them by eight wickets in a Group D game at Mohali on Monday.

Put into bat, Bengal posted a modest total of 158/6, thanks to Ranjot Khaira’s 49 not out off 31 balls. In reply, Ruturaj Gaikwad blasted a 40-ball 82 as Maharashtra raced to the target with as many as 34 balls to spare.

Gaikwad, who recently led the Indian team to a gold medal at the Asian Games, hammered nine boundaries and five maximums that made the road even more smoother for Maharashtra. When he finally departed, off left-arm spinner Pradipta Pramanik’s bowling, Maharashtra needed only 40 more to win off 9.3 overs.

Skipper Kedar Jadhav remained unbeaten on 40 while AN Kazi remained not out on 18 as Maharashtra reached home comfortably.

Brief scores: Bengal 158/6 in 20 ovs (R. Khaira 49 n.o.; A. Kulkarni 2/22). Maharashtra 159/2 in 14.2 ovs (R. Gaikwad 82). Maharashtra won by 8 wickets.