NEW DELHI: Domestic doyen Jalaj Saxena showcased his prowess by decimating Bengal with career-best figures of 9/68 in the Ranji Trophy Group D match in Thumba, Kerala on Sunday. In a remarkable bowling performance, Saxena contributed two more wickets to his tally as Bengal, resuming at 172/8, added just eight runs to their overnight total.
With these stellar figures, the 37-year-old all-rounder has now accumulated 439 wickets and scored 6600-plus runs from 138 matches in first-class cricket.
Despite holding a substantial lead, Kerala skipper Sanju Samson opted not to enforce the follow-on and declared their second innings at 265/6, setting a daunting target of 449 runs for Bengal.
In response, Bengal found themselves at 77/2, with Abhimanyu Easwaran batting on 33. This predicament places Bengal on the brink of a second successive defeat after their previous loss against Mumbai at Eden Gardens.
Khare slams fighting 143, but Mumbai hold edge
In Raipur, Chhattisgarh skipper Amandeep Khare played a remarkable innings, leading from the front with a stellar 143 as his team put up a spirited fight, falling just one run short of Mumbai's first innings total of 351.
Starting the day at 180/4, Khare, who was unbeaten on 35, displayed exceptional patience in his composed knock, facing 211 balls. Despite Mumbai taking wickets at regular intervals, Khare stood firm and ultimately became the last man to be dismissed. His innings included 14 fours and four sixes.
In response, Mumbai reached 97/1 at the close of day three. Holding a lead of 98 runs, Mumbai looked well-positioned with Bhupen Lalwani and Amogh Bhatkal at the crease.
Chhattisgarh managed a breakthrough in Mumbai's second innings when Shubham Singh dismissed Prithvi Shaw, who had been the hero in Mumbai's first innings with a brilliant 159 off 185 balls, contributing significantly to their total of 351.
Assam eyeing maiden win of season
In Guwahati, veteran off-spinner Swarupam Purkayastha emerged as the standout performer with the ball, securing an impressive four-wicket haul for just 11 runs. Assam successfully bundled out Bihar for 207, establishing a substantial first-innings lead of 198 runs.
Opting to enforce the follow-on, Assam continued their dominant performance, reducing Bihar to 168/3 at the close of play on the penultimate day. Opening batsman Piyush Singh exhibited resilience with an unbeaten 79 off 204 balls, guiding Bihar in their second innings.
As the match heads into its final day, Bihar face a challenging task, trailing by 30 runs, and Assam will be eager to secure their first win of the season.
Assam's Mukhtar Hussain, Rahul Singh, and Mrinmoy Dutta also contributed to the team's bowling effort by picking up a wicket each.
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