DEHRADUN: Former Delhi player Kunal Chandela's dogged 136 and late resistance from lower order could possibly help Uttarakhand retain its pole position after the hosts finished their first innings on 272 against a dominant Bengal on the third day of the Ranji Trophy group A match.
Bengal had scored 387 in their first innings and at stumps on the penultimate day, they were 48 for 1 in the second essay with Abhimanyu Easwaran and Sudip Gharami batting on 24 each.
Their lead is now 163 but having ensured three points by virtue of first innings lead, Bengal might not go for the kill and settle for a draw.
That will take them to 19 points but Uttarakhand will stay on top with 20 points.
However Bengal bowlers are to be blamed as they failed to enforce follow-on despite having Uttarakhand on the mat at 48 for 6 on second day.
Chandela first added 70 for the seventh wicket with Akhil Rawat (40) and another 128 for the eighth wicket between him and Abhay Negi (50) gave Uttarakhand some hope of saving the match.
Chandela frustrated the Bengal attack with his defensive approach as he played 304 balls in all and hit 13 fours and two sixes.
He was the last man to be dismissed as left-arm spinner Pradipta Pramanik (4/58 in 32.3 overs) was the most successful bowler. Pacer Akash Deep and left-arm spinner Shahbaz Ahmed also got three wickets apiece.
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