Kolkata: A heavy defeat by 149 runs in the hands of Saurashtra has put Bengal’s chances of qualifying for the next round of the Vijay Hazare Trophy in doubt. Their disappointing outing at the Jadavpur University second Campus Ground in Kolkata on Thursday(February 25) meant that they now stand at third in the table behind the side faced in this match.
Chasing a target of 325 Bengal failed to put any sort of resilience against disciplined bowling by the visitors with skipper Jaydev Unadkat being instrumental with 46/3 in his 8 overs. Dharmendrasinh Jadeja gave good support chipping in two wickets for 34. Abhimanyu Ishwaran’s 61 ball 44 was the only positive for the Bengal who got all out for just a mere 175 in 37overs.
Earlier in the game, having won the toss, the hosts put Saurashtra to bat who scored a mammoth 324/9 in 50 overs. Avi Barot boosted the visitors’ innings at the start with a 90 ball 83. Bengal were a bit Sloppy in both bowling and fielding. Prerak Mankad(59) coupled with Arpit Vasavada(91) propelled the Saurashtra to reach 324/9 in their 50 overs.
