Indore: Bengal batsmen put a sheer dominamce to put 307/4 against host Madhya Pradesh at stumps on Day 1 of Ranji Trophy semifinals. Anustup Majumdar (120) and Sudip Kumar Gharami (112) slammed centuries each to put Bengal in the driving position at the Holkar Stadium in Indore.
Openers Abhimanyu Easwaran (27) and Karan Lal (23) who replaced Kazi Juniad Saifi made a good start for Benga with a 50-run opening stand.
But the home side made a strong comeback dismissing Easwaran followed by his opening partner Lal in a span of two overs to reduce Bengal to 51/2 in the 14th over.
Sudip Kumar Gharami & Anustup Majumdar starred with the bat as Bengal posted 307/4 on the board against Madhya Pradesh of Day 1 of the @mastercardindia #RanjiTrophy #SF1 👍 👍 #MPvBEN
Here's how the action unfolded 🎥 🔽 https://t.co/CZwXxqUPYd pic.twitter.com/FFZsD5Jejk
— BCCI Domestic (@BCCIdomestic) February 8, 2023
Thereafter, it was a one-way traffic as incoming batters Anustup and Gharami showed their true class to combine superbly to take the game away from the home side.
Anustup smashed 13 boundaries and one six out of his 206 ball innings, Gharami struck 12 boundaries and two sixes in his 213-balls knock. The duo had a mountainous 241-run partnership in the third wicket.
💯 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
The batting pair, who have been in excellent form this year, went on to smash hundreds each to put the hosts in trouble on the very first day, straining the Madhya Pradesh bowlers.
Anustup and Gharami were both dismissed in the 83rd and 84th overs, giving the home team some relief at the conclusion of a long day.
As stumps were drawn in the 87th over of the day, captain Manoj Tiwary (5) and Shahbaz Ahmed (6) held their composure to push Bengal above the 300-run barrier.
