Debasis Sen, Kolkata
A composed partnership of 156 runs between Sudip Chatterjee (98) and Sumanta Gupta (82*) helped Bengal secure a crucial 61-run lead at stumps on Day 2 of their Ranji Trophy clash against Uttarakhand at Eden Gardens on Thursday. After bowling out Uttarakhand for 213 on Day 1, Bengal finished the second day at 274 for six. Devendra Bora stood out with the ball for Uttarakhand, returning figures of 19-2-65-4.
Resuming on an overnight score of 8 for one, Bengal got off to a rocky start. Sudip Gharami fell for 15 in the eighth over, leaving the team at 20 for two. The experienced Anustup Majumdar looked promising in his short innings, scoring 35 off 57 balls, before being trapped leg-before by Bora with the total reading 63. Vice-captain Abishek Porel couldn’t provide much resistance either, dismissed for 21. At lunch, Bengal were struggling at 98 for four.
From that point, Chatterjee and Gupta stabilised the innings with a vital stand. Chatterjee fell for 98 after facing 264 balls. Attempting a hook shot, he was caught at square-leg by Jagadeesha Suchith off Bora. Clearly disappointed, the left-hander stood in disbelief for a few moments before making his way back to the pavilion. The 156-run stand between him and Gupta had propelled Bengal into a 41-run lead.
Chatterjee’s knock was a testament of his grit and determination, featuring 12 boundaries. At the end of the day, Gupta remained unbeaten on 82 off 149 balls, with seven boundaries. He will resume on Day 3 alongside Vishal Bhati. With Mohammed Shami and Akash Deep still to come, Bengal would aim to build on their lead and begin their campaign on a winning note.
Brief scores: Uttarakhand 213. Bengal 274/6 (Sudip Chatterjee 98, Sumanta Gupta 82*, Devendra Bora 19-2-65-4).
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