Ranji Trophy 2024: Bengal Eyes Strong Position with Anustup Majumdar’s Century on Day 1 Against Karnataka
Veteran captain Anustup Majumdar played a key role in stabilizing Bengal’s innings, scoring a mighty century to guide his team out of early trouble against Karnataka on the opening day of their Group C Ranji Trophy match on Wednesday– early collapse, Bengal managed to reach a somewhat advantageous 249/5 at stumps.
Karnataka’s new-ball bowler Vasuki Koushik made an immediate impact, removing Bengal opener Shuvam Dey for a duck off just three balls, and then dismissed Sudip Gharami after a painstaking 5 of 45. Bengal found themselves at a shaky 21/2 as the ball showed some early both-way movement. However, 40-year-old Anustup took charge, coming in at No. 4 and forging a vital partnership with Sudip Chatterjee. The duo added 100 runs for the third wicket, with Chatterjee contributing a patient and rock-solid 55 off 120 balls.
Anustup, recalling his excellent century in the 2019-20 semifinal against Karnataka, displayed excellent control and shot-making, hitting 16 fours, securing his century off 157 balls – his first of the season. His steady leadership and batting kept Bengal’s hope alive, but just after reaching his ton, he was trapped lbw unluckily by Shreyas Gopal.
Shahbaz Ahmed provided valuable support to Anustup, and after the skipper’s departure, continued to build a perfect partnership. Shahbaz remained at the crease, unbeaten on 54 from 103 balls with six boundaries. Avilin Ghosh, who played a quick yet crucial cameo of 27 off 22 balls, including two sixes, was dismissed by debutant seamer Abhilash Shetty late in the day. Ghosh’s dismissal was very unfortunate, looking to drive away from his body, edged to Mayank Agarwal at first slip, giving Shetty his first wicket in first-class cricket.
At stumps, Shahbaz was still going strong alongside experienced keeper-batter Wriddhiman Saha, who was on 6 not out.
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