Bengal outclass Karnataka, enter first Ranji Trophy final since 2006-07
Bengal defeated Karnataka by 174 runs at the Eden Gardens to enter their first Ranji final in 13 years. Pacer Mukesh Kumar was the chief architect of Bengal's victory as he snapped up a career-best six-wicket haul in the last innings. Ishan Porel and Akash Deep scalped two wickets apiece. Chasing 352, Karnataka lost wickets at regular intervals and were bundled out for 177.
How did the match pan out?
Batting first, Anustup Majumdar's unbeaten 149 powered Bengal to 312. In reply, Karnataka could muster only 122 as Ishan Porel claimed a five-for. Akash Deep and Mukesh Kumar shared five wickets. Bengal were later bundled out for 161 in the second innings. Mukesh Kumar's magnificent spell reduced Karnataka to 89/5 before they were bowled out for 177. Majumdar was adjudged Player of the Match.
Rahul scored 26 and 0 in the semi-final
The Indian wicket-keeper who last featured in the New Zealand white-ball leg hasn't been in contention for red-ball cricket lately. In a final bid to showcase his propensity to play in the longer format, Rahul travelled for the semi-final against Bengal. He scored a 67-ball 26 in the first innings and followed it up with a duck in the second.
It's a matter of time for KL Rahul: Deep Dasgupta
"KL is too good a batsman. Yes, he's had a blip in his red-ball career. But it's a matter of time. In the first innings, he looked good, he looked comfortable. He got out in the deep to a very good catch," Deep Dasgupta said.
Bengal could script history this season
Bengal will lock horns with the winner of the second semi-final clash (Gujarat vs Saurashtra) which is underway at Rajkot. They won their previous Ranji Trophy title in Sourav Ganguly's debut season back in 1989-90. Bengal also appeared in the final of 2006-07 season wherein they lost to Mumbai by 132 runs. This season's final will commence on March 9.
