Bengal showcased a commanding performance, securing a straightforward innings and 46-run victory over Services in their Elite Group C clash, propelling them into the Ranji Trophy quarter-finals on Sunday. After amassing a hefty 519 runs in their first innings, Bengal enforced the follow-on, dismissing Services for just 186. With a substantial lead of 333 runs, Bengal’s bowlers dismantled the Services batting lineup again, wrapping up the second innings for 287, highlighted by Mohammed Shami’s impressive figures of 5-51 in 16 overs on the third day. On the final day, with only two wickets needed for victory, Bengal wrapped up the match in under 30 minutes. In other matches, Andhra climbed to the top of Group A with an eight-wicket victory over defending champions Vidarbha. Chasing a target of 259, Andhra, starting at 93 for one, achieved their goal in 56.1 overs, thanks to Shaik Rasheed’s brilliant unbeaten 132 off 144 balls, alongside a solid 145-run partnership with captain Ricky Bhui, who remained not out at 64 off 92 balls. Meanwhile, Madhya Pradesh inflicted a heavy 217-run defeat on Karnataka, with spinners Saransh Jain and Sagar Solanki sharing six wickets, as Karnataka crumbled for 144 in their chase of 362.
