CABThe Cricket Association of Bengal

Easwaran, Gharami tons put Bengal in driver’s seat


28th December 2022
Abhimanyu Easwaran (170) and Sudip Kumar Gharami (104) displayed a stupendous batting performance both smashing centuries each to put Bengal in a commanding position against Nagaland at stumps on Day 2 in the Ranji Trophy Elite Group A match at the Nagaland Cricket Stadium in Sovima on Wednesday.
After bowling out Nagaland for just 166 in their first innings, thanks to Pradipta Pramanik (6-43), Bengal put up a dominating show with the bat reaching 336/4 with a vital 170-run first innings lead at the end of the day’s play.
Easwaran, who missed the first two games due to his India Test call-up, looked in fabulous touch hence putting up a classic show with the bat and proving yet again why he is the most dependable batsmen in the team.
On the other hand, Gharami, fresh from his 101 against Himachal in the previous match, stepped up yet again as he continued his sublime form in the season by scoring another century.
Earlier in the day, Bengal were in the back-foot at the start of their innings as opener Koushik Ghosh (4) was judged leg-before in the third over with just 10 on board.
But with the experienced Easwaran and talented Gharami in the middle, Bengal dressing room never looked to panic. From there on, it was one-way traffic as the duo took the responsibility on their shoulders to add a superb 224-run partnership for the second wicket to take the game away from the opposition.
Piling more misery on the home side, Easwaran smashed 16 boundaries while Gharami struck 11 fours and a six in their innings.
After the wicket of Gharami, Anustup Majumdar (30) too looked in fine touch but his stay was short-lived.
Easwaran, who looked determined to score another double ton, was unluckly to miss out after he was dismissed on the closing minutes of the day.
With skipper Manoj Tiwary (16) and Shahbaz Ahmed (1) unbeaten at the end of the day’s play, Bengal can hope score some quick runs on Day 3 and extend their lead to a big margin.


CAB MEDIA DESK
Arindam Basu