Bengal secure second consecutive Ranji Trophy win, defeating Services by 60 runs

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XtraTime Web Desk

As expected, Bengal defeated Services by 60 runs to register their second consecutive outright victory in the Ranji Trophy. After beating Delhi in their opening match, the Bengal brigade continued their winning run against Services in their second game, earning six points from the outright win.

Chasing a target of 209 runs for victory, Services had ended the previous day at 12 without losing a wicket in their second innings. However, on a spin-friendly pitch, their batting line-up crumbled against Bengal’s spinners. Services were eventually bowled out for just 148 in 68.5 overs.

Nitin Tanwar was the top scorer for Services with 49 runs, but no other batter managed to make a significant contribution. The opening partnership yielded 43 runs, while the second wicket fell at 79. Services were still in the contest at that stage, but a succession of wickets soon ended their hopes of chasing down the target.

For Bengal, Pradipta Pramanik was the standout bowler, claiming four wickets for 48 runs. Aamir Gani picked up two wickets for 40 runs, while Shahbaz Ahmed finished with three wickets for 44 runs. Mohammed Kaif also chipped in with a wicket.

The match was dominated by the bowlers, with none of the four innings producing a total of 200 or more. Bengal scored 184 in their first innings, before bowling out Services for 122. Bengal then managed 146 in their second innings, setting Services a target of 209 runs.

Given the nature of the pitch, it was evident that chasing 209 in the fourth innings would be a formidable challenge for Services. The visitors eventually folded for 148, handing Bengal a convincing 60-run victory.

With back-to-back outright wins in their first two matches, Bengal have accumulated 12 points in the Ranji Trophy and made an impressive start to their campaign.