Ranji Trophy Semi-Final: Bengal rout Madhya Pradesh by 306 Runs, Book a place in the Final

Bengal outplayed Madhya Pradesh in every department and despite a valiant effort in the second innings, MP fell short by a huge distance. Bengal, courtesy of their outstanding batting coupled with bowling effort, are now in the Ranji Final for the 14th time in their history.

It was also the 5th biggest win margin for Bengal, and their first victory over 300 runs against any opposition outside East Zone.

As it Happened:

Bengal scored 438 runs in their first innings. Sudip Gharami (112) and Anustup Majumdar (120) were the stars with the bat for Bengal. In reply, MP were bundled out for just 170 runs and Akash Deep was the main architect with the ball for Bengal, picking up 5 wickets to dismantle the MP batting.

With a mammoth lead of 268 runs, Bengal piled 279 runs more in their second time batting. Anustup Majumdar backed his first innings century with a well-made 80 runs, while Pradipta Pramanik scored 60 runs with the tail enders’ assistance.

???? for Anustup Majumdar! ???? ????

A fine knock from the Bengal right-handed batter in the @mastercardindia #RanjiTrophy #SF1! ???? ???? #MPvBEN

Follow the match ▶️ https://t.co/bd5cxNe6P4 pic.twitter.com/6XtmKaB9iQ

— BCCI Domestic (@BCCIdomestic) February 8, 2023

Chasing a huge target of 548 on the final day, MP decided to take the aggressive approach as it was the only way they had an outside chance of achieving the target. Despite a good start, wickets kept on tumbling in regular intervals for the home side. Rajat Patidar (52), Yash Dubey (30), Aditya Shrivastava (29) all had starts but none could convert it into a big century or double hundred, as MP faltered and got bundled out for 241 runs in their second innings. Pradipta Pramanik picked up 5 wickets with the ball, while Mukesh Kumar picked up a couple as well.

Bengal completed a huge victory by 306 runs and now play Saurashtra in the final.

Player of the Match:

Akash Deep was adjudged player of the match for his brilliant bowling in the first inning. The pacer finished the match with 6 scalps across the two innings.

Key Performers for Bengal:

Sudip Gharami: Scored a fantastic century in the first inning. Batted well for his 41 in the second innings as well.

Anustup Majumdar: Anustup was the biggest pillar for Bengal with the bat. Scored 120 and 80 in the two innings respectively. The 38-year-old will be pivotal for Bengal in the final.

Akash Deep: Akash Deep was the main inflictor with the ball. His brilliant and disciplined bowling effort restricted MP to just 170 runs in the first innings.

Pradipta Pramanik: Pradipta Pramanik had his say with both bat and ball. The all-rounder added some crucial runs with the bat in the second innings. Together with Ishan Porel, he added 56 runs for the 10th wicket and remained unbeaten on 60 runs. Then with the ball, he broke the Madhya Pradesh back in the second innings, picking up 5 wickets.