Ranji Trophy 2024: Abishek's 70 helps Bengal cross 400; Vihari's wicket will be key on Day 3

Last season's finalist Bengal started their Ranji Trophy 2024 campaign on a great note as they scored 409 in the first inning of their opening game against Andhra Pradesh at Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy ACA VDCA Cricket Stadium in Vizag.

Bengal lost three early wickets after the start of Day 2 but youngster Abishek Porel rose to the occasion and struck valuable 70 runs to help Bengal go beyond 400 in the first inning. Andhra started well with the bat too, but Pradipta Pramanik, debutant Mohammad Kaif, and Akash Deep picked up one wicket each, to put pressure upon Andhra Pradesh and reduce them to 119/3. Andhra Pradesh are trailing by 290 runs at the end of Day 2, and Hanuma Vihari's wicket will be crucial on Day 3.

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K V Sasikanth gave Andhra Pradesh an early wicket on Day 2 as he sent debutant Mohammad Kaif for a duck. Then Lalith Mohan got the huge and important wicket of Manoj Tiwary (32) which nearly shattered Bengal's hopes of reaching 400. But Abishek Porel showed his class and struck 70 runs as Bengal put 409 runs on the scoreboard.

Abishek used to bat as a top-order batsman but from the last 2-3 seasons he has batted lower down the order and has been exceptionally brilliant for Bengal. As Shahbaz Ahmed is not available, the pressure had been there upon Abishek to bat with the tailenders.

Surprisingly, he is doing so well. To be a young player and batting with the tailenders with a huge responsibility on his shoulders and striking big hits also is not anybody's cup of tea. Abishek added 41 runs with Ishan Porel for the 10th wicket after getting out on 70. Lalith Mohan finished with 4 wickets for Andhra Pradesh but they would not be happy with their overall bowling performance.

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Andhra Pradesh started well with the bat as Gnaneshwar and Prashanth Kumar added 64 runs for the first wicket. Pradipta came up with the first breakthrough as he sent Gnaneshwar for 33 runs. Andhra recovered well and were pushing strongly before debutant Mohammad Kaif picked up his maiden Ranji Trophy wicket, sending Prashanth Kumar home for 41.

Akash Deep then sent set batsman Rasheed to the dressing room for 31 as Day 2 ended after 48.1 overs bowled and Andhra Pradesh standing on 119/3. Hanuma Vihari remained not out on 6 and he will continue on day 3 with Ricky Bhui.