Kalyani: Bengal defeated Delhi by 9 wickets at Kalyani to start their Ranji Trophy 2026-27 campaign in style.
Bowling first, in 1st innings, Bengal picked 2 quick wickets of Sanat Sangwan and Yash Dhull for 26 runs. Sarthak Ranjan (33), Ayush Doseja (45) and Ayush Badoni (23) brought Delhi back on track. Hrithik Soren (56) also scored half century coming at number 8. But seasoned campaigner Mohammed Shami (4/30) grabbed 4 wickets dismissing Dhull, Doseja, Soren and Divij Mehra. While Akash Deep Singh who was making a comeback in Bengal team after injury picked 2 wickets. Experienced Aamir Gani (3/45) also added 3 wickets to his name.
Coming to Bat, Bengal lost wicket of Ankur Paul (17) early followed by captain Abhimanyu Easwaran as they’re at 84/2.
Sudip Gharami (133) and Abhishek Porel (149) took matters upon their shoulders and recorded 229 runs partnership. Gharami scored 133 (235) with 19 boundaries while Abhishek Porel plundered 149 (228) with 17 boundaries and a six , after scoring the century he became emotional.
Sumanta Gupta (50) also scored half century. The tail however collapsed at the end as Bengal scored a massive 425. Delhi captain Ayush Badoni picked 5 wickets while veteran Navdeep Saini and Mehra grabbed 2 wickets.
Delhi coming to Bat lost 3 wickets on 59 runs. Captain Ayush Badoni (85) and Anuj Rawat (39) notched 95 runs partnership. However, left arm spin allrounder Pradipta Pramanik (3/72), Sumanta Gupta (2/20) and Aamir Gani (2/84) bundled Delhi on 277 setting 89 runs target for Bengal.
Chasing the small Total, captain Abhimanyu Easwaran (34*), Ankur Paul (38) and Sudip Gharami (16*) took Bengal past the target and grabbed win in the very first match. Abhishek Porel was awarded Player of the Match.
Brief Scorecard:
DEL: 240 & 277
BEN : 425 & 89-1
Result : Bengal won by 9 wickets.
