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ISL 2022-23: Kerala Blasters will play the opening match on 7th October 2022 but not against ATKMB; but Emami East Bengal

The ISL 2022-23 season will be starting in a few weeks from 7th October. The schedule is now being finalized and will be officially revealed.

Aug 31, 2022, 5:57 AM2 min read

ISL 2022-23: Kerala Blasters will play the opening match on 7th October 2022 but not against ATKMB; but Emami East Bengal

The ISL 2022-23 season will be starting in a few weeks from 7th October. The schedule is now being finalized and will be officially revealed in the next few days.

Currently, the Durand Cup is going on which kickstarted the Indian football calendar for the 2022-23 season. After the Durand Cup finishes, the ISL will be starting in October.

It has almost become a regular norm to see Kerela Blasters face ATK Mohun Bagan in the opening match of the Indian Super League.

The Kerala Blasters vs ATKMB has been the inaugural match for the last few ISL seasons. However, things are expected to change this season.

As reported by various sources, Kerala Blasters will be playing the opening match of the ISL 2022-23 season but this time it will not be against ATKMB.

Another Kolkata club, Emami East Bengal are most likely to take their place in the inaugural match on 7th October 2022.

ISL 2022-23:  Sportz Point
ATKMB vs Kerala Blasters is usually the opening match of the ISL season (Image- AIFF)

East Bengal are one of the most prestigious clubs of Indian football, but their fortunes have been bad in ISL since their entry two years ago.

However, the EB management and their investor Emami are trying their best to build a strong core for the team this season, in order to compete for glory once again.

For more ISl 2022-23 News, follow Sportz Point

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Bengal Cricket Exclusive: "If 100 does not work, I will score 150," Sandipan Das doesn't want to leave any stone unturned

Sandipan Das has been one of the most successful players in Kolkata Club Cricket in the last 7-8 years. However, despite performing well, he has not played a single game for Bengal since 2015.

May 1, 2025, 2:48 PM5 min read

Bengal Cricket Exclusive: "If 100 does not work, I will score 150," Sandipan Das doesn't want to leave any stone unturned | sportzpoint.com

Whether with Bhowanipur Club or East Bengal, Sandipan Das has consistently helped his teams win trophies. After achieving numerous victories, including a treble last year with Bhowanipur, the former ICC U-19 World Cup winner is now on the brink of delivering East Bengal's first league trophy in a decade.

Following his man-of-the-match performance in the semi-final against arch-rivals Mohun Bagan, Sandipan Das shared his thoughts in an exclusive interview with Sportz Point. 

"The winning mentally is there since childhood"

Bengal Cricket Exclusive: "If 100 does not work, I will score 150," Sandipan Das doesn't want to leave any stone unturned | sportzpoint.com
Image | C.A.B.

For Sandipan, playing in the final of a championship or winning it is not new; he has been securing trophies since his U-13 days. The Bengal all-rounder attributes his winning mentality to his childhood coach, Debesh Chakraborty, who instilled this mindset in him from an early age.

“I have been winning trophies since childhood. Whether it was the Ambar Roy tournament in U-13s or any other competition, I've always been part of champion teams. Thanks to Debesh Sir, who took me to play in those tournaments, the winning mentality has stayed with me throughout my career,” Sandipan Das told Sportz Point.

Read Also | Bengal Ranji Team in Last Three Seasons: 13 opening combinations, 22 debutants and many more numbers

"If 100 is not enough, I need to score 150"

Bengal Cricket Exclusive: "If 100 does not work, I will score 150," Sandipan Das doesn't want to leave any stone unturned | sportzpoint.com
Image | C.A.B.

After contributing to India's victory in the ICC U-19 World Cup under Unmukt Chand in 2012, Sandipan was fast-tracked into the Bengal team. Just a month after the World Cup, he made his List A debut, followed by his First-Class and T20 debuts.

However, despite showing promise, he struggled to make a significant impact for Bengal and has not played a single game since January 2015. Although he has excelled in the club format and helped his teams win titles nearly every season, Sandipan found himself out of the state team.

"It has been a long time since I played for Bengal. But I do not want to blame anyone for that. I believe I should score 150 if 100 is not enough. That has been my motive. I want to improve every day as a cricketer and leave the rest to God," Sandipan expressed.

"This attitude has also helped me win for my teams. If I think 100 is enough, I might become complacent and get out. Or if I feel that taking just two wickets suffices, I might bowl a loose over. There is no room for complacency in cricket," he added.

Bengal Cricket Exclusive: "If 100 does not work, I will score 150," Sandipan Das doesn't want to leave any stone unturned | sportzpoint.com
Sandipan after his ton vs Mohun Bagan in the semi-final. Image | C.A.B.

A perfect example of this mindset occurred during Sandipan's innings for East Bengal against Mohun Bagan in the C.A.B. First Division Championship semi-final. The match was evenly poised after the first day, and one mistake from Sandipan could have tipped the scales in favor of Mohun Bagan.

At the start of Day 2, Sandipan believed they could reach 450 runs. However, after losing partners, he decided to focus on taking the game deep, even if it meant not scoring a century. Eventually, East Bengal finished with 408 runs, and Sandipan remained unbeaten on 108.

Read Also | Batting, bowling & captaincy - Sandipan Das is ready for a rebirth at the first-class level | Bengal Cricket Exclusive

Monayem+Sandipan = Success in Kolkata Club Cricket

Bengal Cricket Exclusive: "If 100 does not work, I will score 150," Sandipan Das doesn't want to leave any stone unturned | sportzpoint.com
Sandipan Das with current East Bengal coach Abdul Monayem. Image collected from Facebook

Such patience and attitude of Sandipan did not develop overnight; they are the result of years of practice, dedication, and guidance from his coaches. In addition to his childhood coach, Abdul Monayem has been a constant support for Sandipan for over a decade.

Monayem is one of the most successful coaches in Kolkata club cricket, who led Bhowanipur Club to three league titles in recent years. Sandipan thrived under Monayem’s guidance, which not only helped him grow as a cricketer but also as a captain of the team.

Currently the coach of East Bengal, Monayem brought Sandipan to join the team this year, aiming for more trophies together. The success in the P. Sen Trophy and reaching the league final after nearly a decade is a testament to their strong camaraderie.

"He (Abdul Monayem) is like a mentor to me. I have been playing under him for more than ten years now. He knows me very well, and I understand his expectations. Sometimes he is like a big brother; other times, he is a friend with a supportive hand on my shoulder. This relationship has allowed him to bring out the best in the players," Sandipan shared.

"Players like Abhishek Das, Agniv Pan, and many others have been together for many years now. This group, under Abdul (Monayem) Sir, has consistently achieved great things because he understands each player, and as a team, we strive to do our best," Sandipan added.

Read Also | Bengal Cricket Exclusive: "We all know this game can make us heroes to the fans," East Bengal's Satyaki Dutta ahead of Kolkata Derby

"I enjoy being around the young kids"

In addition to being one of the top batting all-rounders in Bengal, Sandipan runs a coaching center. This initiative allows him to switch his focus from his own cricketing career and share his knowledge with the next generation.

"I believe this brings out a different side of me. Working with kids and teaching them the basics of cricket is something I love. I truly enjoy being with them," Sandipan stated.

"During my childhood, I did not have access to many facilities here in Jagaddal, so I try to give them as much as I can and share my knowledge," he concluded.

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Bengal Cricket Exclusive: Underrated, Calm and Matured Shreyan Chakraborty doing his job for East Bengal silently

Shreyan Chakraborty has been performing under pressure situations with both bat and ball for East Bengal in the last two seasons. The left-arm spinner hopes to gift trophies to the East Bengal fans.

Apr 29, 2025, 8:44 AM6 min read

Bengal Cricket Exclusive: Underrated, Calm and Matured Shreyan Chakraborty doing his job for East Bengal silently | sportzpoint.com

Shreyan Chakraborty has been one of the most underrated players in Bengal cricket in the last few seasons. The left-arm spinner has silently performed well for East Bengal in the last two seasons and bailed out the Red and Gold brigade from tough situations with bat and ball in hand. 

After helping East Bengal qualify for the C.A.B. First Division Championship final after nearly 10 years, with his 67/4 and 30 (64), Shreyan shared his thoughts with Sportz Point in an exclusive interview. 

Underated? Does it even matter?

Bengal Cricket Exclusive: Underrated, Calm and Matured Shreyan Chakraborty doing his job for East Bengal silently | sportzpoint.com
Image | C.A.B.

I have already called him underrated at the start of this interview. But does he believe he is underrated? If yes, does he enjoy that tag? 

Well, for Shreyan, it is all about getting the job done. Be it taking the main wicket of the opponent's batting lineup, scoring crucial 40-50 runs or more with the bat in the lower order when the chips are down, or breaking an important partnership, like he did in the Kolkata derby against Mohun Bagan, Shreyan just wants to help East Bengal win. 

But, he knows that at this age of modern cricket, even with the kind of performances he has delivered in the last two seasons, it is time that he breaks the underrated tag.

"Firstly, when you just want to do well for your team, it does not matter whether you are underrated or not. But, yes, when you perform and give your best day in and day out for your team, you obviously love it when people appreciate you and love you. It boosts you as an athlete," Shreyan told Sportz Point. 

Read Also | Women's Cricket Exclusive: Age 14, 5 feet 8 inches tall, bowls left-arm wrist spin; Debjani Das is all set to be Bengal's next cricketing superstar

"I have matured now as a cricketer"

Bengal Cricket Exclusive: Underrated, Calm and Matured Shreyan Chakraborty doing his job for East Bengal silently | sportzpoint.com
Image | C.A.B.

Shreyan last played for Bengal in his debut season in 2020, and later, he got COVID, which ruled him out of the team. Since then, he has not been able to break the doors of Bengal cricket even with great performances. That is why Shreyan feels that if he had the limelight on him, it might have been easier for him to get that call back to Bengal cricket again. 

"When you have the limelight on you, you get closer to the Bengal team. That is why you perform and give your 200% each day. Everyone wants to play at the highest level and do well there," Shreyan shared.

Shreyan feels he was fortunate enough to represent Bengal at the first-class level in 2020. But he feels that he did not do justice to his talent at that time in the red ball format. However, with age, more games and, most importantly, trophies, Shryean feels he is at his best in terms of maturity and skill to represent Bengal again. 

That is why he calls out to Cricket to give him another chance to play at the highest level. 

"I am fortunate that I got the chance to don that Bengal jersey in 2020. But, be it white ball or red ball, I feel I have matured now as a cricketer and at my best shape to represent Bengal again. I still hope that the team management is looking at my performances and will give me another chance to play for the state," Shreyan expressed.

Read Also | Bengal Cricket: 7 U-19 cricketers from Bengal who can play for India in future

"It is all about winning games for your teams"

Bengal Cricket Exclusive: Underrated, Calm and Matured Shreyan Chakraborty doing his job for East Bengal silently | sportzpoint.com
Image | C.A.B. 

Even though he has this constant thought of playing for Bengal again, whenever he plays for big clubs like East Bengal, the goal is entirely different for him. According to Shreyan, these big clubs want and expect trophies. To win trophies, you need to win the big moments and do well in pressure situations. That is what he focuses on during his training and match days. 

"When you play for big clubs like East Bengal, there is no chance you think about something other than helping the team to win. That's it. The focus remains on winning big moments, doing well in pressure situations. I think it is the same for everyone in the team," Shreyan stated. 

But, how does he prepare himself for those big situations? For him, it is all about keeping it simple, following the process and being aggressive, without being aggressive.

"Firstly, you need to love being in a pressure situation. I love that. I love being there and taking the team over the line. Be it with ball, bat or fielding. I just try to follow a simple process and mentally be aggressive against any opponent," the 28-year-old left-arm spinner mentioned.

Read Also | Bengal Ranji Team in Last Three Seasons: 13 opening combinations, 22 debutants and many more numbers

Adding more value with the bat"

Bengal Cricket Exclusive: Underrated, Calm and Matured Shreyan Chakraborty doing his job for East Bengal silently | sportzpoint.com
Shreyan pictured during his inning against Mohun Bagan. Image | Collected 

With the ball in hand, Shreyan has been one of Bengal's best in business. But, post 2020, he felt he needed to add more value to the team, and that is why he made a conscious effort to work on his batting and those valuable runs down the order. Throughout the entire season, Shreyan has bailed out East Bengal from tough situations, batting at the lower middle order. 

"I know that I am one of the best in business in the state in terms of bowling left-arm spin or contributing on the field. But, I wanted to have another aspect to my game so that teams could not leave me out due to team combinations."

"That is why I made a conscious effort to work on my batting in the off-season, and it has worked like magic for me. I hope to keep contributing with the bat like I have been doing in recent times." 

On the verge of a great victory

Bengal Cricket Exclusive: Underrated, Calm and Matured Shreyan Chakraborty doing his job for East Bengal silently | sportzpoint.com
Image | C.A.B.

Shreyan and the whole East Bengal team are now on the verge of gifting the fans something that they have not tasted in the last 10 years, a league championship trophy in cricket. But, they will be up against the defending champions, Bhowanipur Club, who have been the best team in Bengal in the last few seasons. 

"The good thing is that we have already tasted success in the P.Sen Trophy. And we have a team that can win from any situation against any team. Bhowanipur is a strong team. How they defeated Kalighat is quite commanding."

"I know it will be a great final against them. I am hopeful that we will be able to gift the fans the trophy they have been waiting for a long time now," Shreyan stated.

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Mohun Bagan SG Edges Kerala Blasters FC 2-1 in Kalinga Super Cup 2025 Quarter-Finals

Goals from Sahal Abdul Samad in the 22nd minute and Suhail Ahmad Bhat in the 51st minute of the match helped Mohun Bagan SG beat Kerala Blasters FC by 2-1 to qualify for the semis of Kalinga Super Cup 2025.

Apr 26, 2025, 3:33 PM3 min read

Mohun Bagan SG Edges Kerala Blasters FC 2-1 in Kalinga Super Cup 2025 Quarter-Finals - Suhail Bhatt with the goal for MBSG | sportzpoint.com

On a vibrant Saturday evening, April 26, 2025, Mohun Bagan SG’s youthful squad clinched a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Kerala Blasters FC in the Kalinga Super Cup 2025 quarter-finals, securing their spot in the semi-finals.

The Mariners, boasting an all-Indian lineup save for Portuguese defender Nuno Reis, showcased their attacking flair with goals from Sahal Abdul Samad in the 22nd minute and Suhail Ahmad Bhat in the 51st. Despite a late strike from Kerala Blasters’ Sreekuttan MS in the 94th minute, Mohun Bagan SG held firm, thanks to a stellar performance by goalkeeper Dheeraj Singh Moirangthem. Bastab Roy’s team now awaits the winner of the FC Goa vs. Punjab FC clash in the semi-final on April 30.

The match kicked off cautiously, with both sides probing without overcommitting. For the first 20 minutes, neither team managed to create clear chances. Then, Mohun Bagan SG sparked the game to life with a moment of brilliance.

Salahudheen Adnan dazzled down the right, weaving past Naocha Singh before delivering a pinpoint cross into the box. Sahal Abdul Samad, with a deft shoulder drop, shook off Ruivah Hormipam and delicately lifted the ball over goalkeeper Sachin Suresh to break the deadlock.

Mohun Bagan SG Edges Kerala Blasters FC 2-1 in Kalinga Super Cup 2025 Quarter-Finals | sportzpoint.com

The goal jolted Kerala Blasters into action, and they pushed hard for an equaliser. Noah Sadaoui, fresh off a spectacular long-range goal against East Bengal, tried his luck from distance but sent the ball straight to Dheeraj Singh.

Read Also | India expresses formal interest to host the AFC Asian Cup 2031

The Blasters grew threatening from set pieces, particularly short corners. In the 30th minute, Sadaoui’s low cross after a quick one-two with Vibin Mohanan was cleared by Dippendu Biswas. Moments later, Hormipam’s looping cross nearly sneaked into the top corner, only for Dheeraj to tip it over.

Just before halftime, Mohammed Aimen cut in from the left and unleashed a curling shot that sailed narrowly over the bar, leaving the Blasters frustrated.

The second half began with Mohun Bagan SG striking early. In the 47th minute, Sachin Suresh pulled off a stunning save to deny Salahudheen in a one-on-one, but the warning went unheeded. Four minutes later, Ashique Kuruniyan tore down the left, breezed past Hormipam, and rolled a precise pass to Suhail Ahmad Bhat, who calmly slotted it home to double the lead.

Mohun Bagan SG Edges Kerala Blasters FC 2-1 in Kalinga Super Cup 2025 Quarter-Finals - Suhail Bhatt with the goal for MBSG | sportzpoint.com

From there, the game became the Dheeraj Singh show. Kerala Blasters threw everything forward, but the Mohun Bagan goalkeeper stood tall. Jesús Jiménez squandered two golden opportunities, blasting over the bar in the 65th minute and dragging a shot wide two minutes later. In the 70th minute, Dheeraj denied substitute Kwame Peprah’s angled effort, and with five minutes left, Peprah’s low cross found Jiménez, who couldn’t connect cleanly.

Read Also | Will Indian-Origin players ever get to play for India? AIFF keeps showing its aimless approach

Dheeraj’s heroics continued as he thwarted Peprah from point-blank range, with Amandeep clearing Ebindas Y’s follow-up off the line. The Blasters finally broke through in stoppage time when Jiménez set up Sreekuttan, who rifled a shot past Dheeraj. But the goal came too late to spark a comeback.

Salahudheen Adnan earned the Kalinga Player of the Match award for his electrifying performance.

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Bengal Cricket: Bhowanipur and East Bengal qualify for C.A.B. First Division League final

Defending champion Bhowanipur defeated Kalighat by 258 runs, while East Bengal defeated Mohun Bagan by 77 runs to qualify for the C.A.B. First Division League final.

Apr 26, 2025, 11:04 AM4 min read

Bengal Cricket: Bhowanipur and East Bengal qualify for C.A.B. First Division League final | sportzpoint.com

Despite valiant efforts from Bengal Ranji captain Anustup Majumdar, Bhowanipur defeated Kalighat by a huge margin of 258 runs in the semi-final of the C.A.B. First Division League Championship on Saturday at J.U. Second Campus Ground in Kolkata. On the other hand, East Bengal won the Kolkata derby at the Videocon Ground by defeating Mohun Bagan by 77 runs to reach the final of the tournament. 

Bhawanipore win despite Anustup's 154

Bengal Cricket: Anustup Majumdar's 154 went in vain as Bhowanipur defeated Kalighat by 258 runs | sportzpoint.com
 Anustup Majumdar's 154 went in vain as Bhowanipur defeated Kalighat by 258 runs. Image | C.A.B.

Chasing down Bhowanipur's mammoth 618-run target looked impossible from the start of the second inning for Kalighat. But when you have someone like Anustup Majumdar in your dressing room, you can hope for a miracle. But, that was not to be for Kalighat Club as despite a valiant 154 from 190 balls from the Bengal captain, Bhowanipur managed a huge 258-run win to enter the final. 

At the end of Day 2, Kalighat were at 188/2 and needed 430 runs in 552 balls to complete a historical chase. Anustup Majumdar was at the crease on 107 from 127 balls along with Subham Chatterjee, who was one of their best batters in the tournament so far. 

But, as soon as Rajkumar Pal opened the gate for Bhowanipur by dismissing Subham early on day 3, everything looked out of reach for Kalighat. Rajkumar then removed Kalighat's hero of the quarterfinal, Writam Porel, to make it a one-man battle for Kalighat. 

Arun Chaprana tried his best with his 32 off 35 balls, but Pradipta Pramanik proved to be too good for him. Pradipta then played the decisive move of the match by dismissing Anustup Majumdar on 154 to go one step closer to the final. 

Ravi Kumar with 66/4 was the pick of the bowlers for Bhowanipur as they defeated Kalighat to reach the final | sportzpoint.com
Ravi Kumar with 66/4 was the pick of the bowlers for Bhowanipur as they defeated Kalighat to reach the final. Image | C.A.B.

Left-arm pacer Ravi Kumar then broke through the lower middle order, to make sure the defending champion would en route to defend their title in the mega final as Kalighat were bundled out for 359. Ravi Kumar with 66/4 was the pick of the bowlers for Bhowanipur along with Pradipta Pramanik, who took 3 wickets for 75. 

Abhimanyu Easwaran was named the player of the match for his 149 in the first inning. Shakir Habib Gandhi and Vivek Singh were the other centurions for them.

Read Also | Bengal Cricket: 7 U-19 cricketers from Bengal who can play for India in future

East Bengal win the Kolkata derby despite Suvankar Bal's 148

C.A.B. First Division Championship: East Bengal win the Kolkata derby despite Suvankar Bal's 148 | sportzpoint.com
Suvankar Bal scored 148 for Mohun Bagan. Image | C.A.B.

In the second semi-final, Mohun Bagan were chasing East Bengal's steep 410-run target. But at 146/5 at the end of day 2, their fate depended on Suvankar Bal's bat. Bal had already crossed his fifty, but needed a good partner at the other end to support him. 

Vikas Singh did his best by building a 77-run partnership for the sixth wicket. But after Writtick Chatterjee dismissed him on 37, Bal had to build another partnership under the scorching heat at the Videocon Ground, in Kolkata. Sourav Halder then played a handy knock of 48 off 88 balls to shift the game towards Mohun Bagan a bit, with Suvankar Bal smashing bowlers from the other end. 

Shreyan Chakraborty's 67/4 helped East Bengal beat Mohun Bagan to reach the final of C.A.B. First Division Championship | sportzpoint.com
Shreyan Chakraborty's 67/4 helped East Bengal beat Mohun Bagan to reach the final of C.A.B. First Division Championship. Image | C.A.B.

Bal completed his hundred in 229 balls, and with four wickets in hand, it was all about East Bengal getting his wicket or him taking Mohun Bagan over the line. But East Bengal bowler Shreyan Chakraborty did the trick for East Bengal by first breaking the partnership and dismissing Sourav Halder. 

Shreyan then picked up Anurag Tiwari's wicket to make Bal feel helpless at the other end. Rohit Kumar's run out meant Bal had no other option but to go for the biggies. Shreyan then picked up Bal's wicket to send East Bengal to the final. 

Bal's valiant 148 went in vain as Mohun Bagan lost the semi-final by 77 runs. Shreyan Chakraborty with 67/4 was the pick of the bowlers for East Bengal. Sandipan Das won the player of the match for his unbeaten 108 in the first inning. Satyaki Dutta were the other centurion for East Bengal in the match.

The final will be played at the Eden Gardens after the completion of IPL 2025.

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C.A.B. First Division semis: East Bengal have the upper hand over Mohun Bagan; Anustup fighting a battle for Kalighat against Bhowanipur after Day 2

Mohun Bagan now require 264 runs in 522 balls, while East Bengal need five wickets to qualify for the final. In the second semi-final, Kalighat need 430 runs in 552 balls, chasing Bhowanupur's 618-run target.

Apr 25, 2025, 11:48 AM5 min read

C.A.B. First Division semis: East Bengal have the upper hand over Mohun Bagan; Anustup fighting a battle for Kalighat against Bhowanipur after Day 2 | sportzpoint.com

East Bengal scored 409/9 in the first inning against arch-rival Mohun Bagan A.C. with the help of a stunning unbeaten ton from Sandipan Das on Day 2 of the C.A.B. First Division Championship semifinal. In the second semi-final, Bhowanipur have nearly thrown Kalighat away by scoring a mammoth 617/6 in the first inning as Vivek Singh scored 129 from 166 balls for them. 

East Bengal in slight favour after day 2 of Kolkata derby

C.A.B. First Division semis: Sandipan Das' unbeaten ton helps East Bengal score 409 in the first inning against Mohun Bagan | sportzpoint.com
Sandipan Das' unbetaen ton helped East Bengal go over 400. Image | Facebook

The second day of the Kolkata derby in the C.A.B. First Division Championship semi-final saw many ups and downs throughout the entire day. East Bengal, who were at 310/6, were depending on former U-19 World Cup winner Sandipan Das to take them over 400. Shreyan Chakraborty did his part by building a 59-run partnership for the 7th wicket. 

But, after Shreyan's dismissal (30 off 64), all-rounders Suraj Sindhu Jaiswal and Kanishk Seth could not add much to the total. But Sandipan made sure he faced most of the deliveries and strikes at a blistering pace. The right-handed middle-order batter not only reached his hundred but also made sure that East Bengal gave Mohun Bagan a steep total to chase down in the second inning. 

East Bengal finished on 409/9 as Sandipan remained unbeaten on 108 off 236 balls. 

Suraj gave East Bengal the perfect start

No photo description available.

In the second inning, Suraj Sindhu Jaiswal, Bengal's highest wicket-taker in the Ranji Trophy 2024-25 season, made sure the Red and Gold brigade got the perfect start. The right-handed pacer removed Shantanu in the first ball of the inning and looked lethal from the word go. 

Mohun Bagan were put under tremendous pressure after captain Sudip Kumar Gharami was also dismissed by Kanishk Seth for just 8. Kanishk, East Bengal's player of the match in the quarter-final, went through the defences of Bengal's white-ball captain and cleaned up his stumps. 

Vikas Singh then trapped Avilin Ghosh in front of the wicket just for 1. Avilin was Mohun Bagan's Cricketer of the Year last season and saved many games for them in this kind of situation. But, Vikas proved to be too good for him. 

Read Also | Exclusive Suraj Sindhu Jaiswal: "Jumping out" from tough times to become Bengal's star of the season

At 29/3, Mohun Bagan looked nearly out of the game, but Ranjot Singh Khaira, centurion from the quarter-final, tried to build a partnership with Suvankar Bal. But Shreyan Chakraborty went through his defence with his left-arm spin to send him back to the dressing room after a good-looking 45 off 68 balls. 

Gitansh Khera was also cleaned up by Vikas Singh on 19. Suvankar Bal, meanwhile, completed his well-paced fifty and is the lone batter at the crease for Mohun Bagan at the end of Day 2. Though Mohun Bagan's tail is totally capable of hitting the ball long, at 146/5, Mohun Bagan's fate will be decided on Suvankar Bal's bat on the final day of the match. 

Mohun Bagan now require 264 runs in 522 balls, while East Bengal need five wickets to qualify for the final.

Read Also |

Bhowanipur cruising, Anustup fighting a battle for Kalighat

C.A.B. First Division semis: Vivek Singh scores ton to take Bhowanipur's total to 617/6 in the first inning | sportzpoint.com
Vivek Singh scored the third century of the match for Bhowanipur. Image | Facebook

In the second semi-final at the J.U. 2nd Campus Ground in Salt Lake, Bhowanipur cruised to a mammoth 617/6 in the first inning after Vivek Singh became the third centurion from the defending champion after Abhimanyu Easwaran and Shakir Habib Gandhi scored centuries on Day 1. 

Vivek, who now plays for the Railways team in Indian domestic cricket, showcased his power and skill to ease to his hundred. Vivek was eventually stumped out by Arun Chaprana on 129 from 166 balls. Meanwhile, experienced Arindam Ghosh added 52 while Aaamir Gani added a quick 32 off 34 balls to take Bhowanipur's total to 617 in the first inning. 

Anustup's ton kept Kalighat in the game

Anustup's ton kept Kalighat in the game: C.A.B. First Division Championship Semis | sportzpoint.com
Archived Image | C.A.B.

Ravi Kumar, the left-arm pacer, continued the momentum for Bhowanipur by dismissing Shreyansh Ghosh in the first over. But, ever dependable Anustup Majumdar and Koushik Ghosh made sure Kalighat didn't leave without a fight. 

Koushik and Anustup added 127 runs for the second wicket. However, Koushik would be disappointed not to get a big score as he was caught behind by Ravi Kumar, who was the pick of the bowlers on Day 2. 

Read Also | Bengal Cricket Exclusive: Inspired by Anustup Majumdar's journey, Sumanta Gupta wants to achieve bigger things for Bengal

But, as they say, great players know when to put their hands up and show the path to the entire team. Bengal and Kalighat captain Anustup Majumdar raced to another ton in his club career to give some fight to Bhowanipur's huge total.

At the end of the day, Anustup is unbeaten on 107 off 127 balls while Subham Chatterjee, the double centurion from the pre-quarter final, is with him on 23 off 40 balls. Kalighat finished day 2 at 188/2 and need 430 runs in 552 balls to complete a historical chase.

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