KOLKATA: A 52-run ninth-wicket stand between Mohammad Kaif and Suraj Sindhu Jaswal saw Bengal put up a healthy total of 188 runs on Day II of their Elite Group ‘B’ Ranji Trophy match against Uttar Pradesh in Kanpur on Saturday.
The hosts, who were dismissed for 60 in the first innings, however, began their reply in a strong way getting to 46 without loss at stumps with openers Samarth Singh and Aryan Juyal staying unbeaten on 21 and 20, respectively as the hosts still trailed by 82 runs
Kaif came good with the bat after claiming 4 for 14 a day earlier, to remain unbeaten on 45. Veteran India seamer Bhuvneshwar Kumar maintained his rhythm to pick up three more wickets on Saturday and end with his career-best excellent figures of 8 for 41 in 22 overs.
Beginning the day at 95 for five after another delayed start due to bad light, Bengal suffered early setbacks losing the wickets of overnight unbeaten batters Shreyansh Ghosh (41) and Karan Lal (12) along with Pradipta Pramanik (1) for 15 runs only. But Kaif stood tall, emerging as the top-scorer hitting four boundaries and two sixes playing 79 balls. Debutant Jaiswal (20) gave him good support as the duo managed to keep the UP attack at bay.
The Bengal tail continued to wage even after Jaswal’s dismissal, as Kaif partnered with Ishan Porel (10) and added another vital 26 runs for the last wicket to take the hosts to a respectable total.
