Mohali: Three centuries by Punjab batsmen helped them pile up a massive 579-7 in their first innings and take a huge lead of 253 runs in the first innings of their Group A Ranji Trophy match against Bengal on Sunday.
Punjab, who ended the second day on 229-1, started the third day from where they left. Both the unbeaten centurions Jiwanjot Singh and Mayank Sidhana got off to a good start and it looked like they will inflict more damage. But Sidhana fell soon for a score of 115. He played 194 deliveries for his knock and hit 19 fours.
His wicket was followed by Mandeep Singh who was out for a duck. Bengal smelt blood after two quick wickets but Singh joined hands with wicket-keeper Uday Kaul to add on to Bengal’s misery.
Both the batsmen combined well and stitched a partnership of 79 for the fourth wicket before Singh was dismissed by Manoj Tiwary. He scored 158 off 288 deliveries laced with 17 fours. The wicket failed to bring any respite to Bengal as Kaul along with Amotoze Singh carried on the good work.
They build partnership of 103 for the fifth wicket and their partnership was broken by Ashok Dinda who trapped Singh for 52. He hit 10 boundaries in his 79-ball innings.
In the meanwhile, it was all about the left hander Kaul who kept stealing easy runs against the Bengal bowlers. The bowlers were guilty of bowling wayward line and Kaul looked to be in no mood to relent. He scored an unbeaten 165 off 236 deliveries including 24 boundaries.
With a substantial lead, Punjab declared their first innings and Bengal in reply were 25-1 at stumps with Jayajit Basu and Writam Porel at crease.
By Indian Sports News Network