Ranji Trophy 2019-20: Final poised between Saurashtra and Bengal
Anustup Majumdar and Arnab Nandi added 91 runs for the seventh wicket to put Bengal in the driving seat on Day 4 of the Ranji Trophy 2019-20 finale. Bengal finished at 354/6 at stumps as they trail by 71 runs. Saurashtra will lose the match if they are unable to take four wickets before Bengal gain the first innings lead. Here's more.
How did Day 4 pan out?
Having resumed on 134/3, Bengal lost three crucial wickets in the second session. When Shahbaz Ahmed was dismissed for 16, Bengal were still trailing by 162 runs in the first innings. Wriddhiman Saha played a disciplined knock (64 off 184 balls) before falling to Prerak Mankad. Earlier, Sudip Chatterjee piled up 81. The onus lies on Anustup Majumdar who is unbeaten on 58.
History beckons for Saurashtra!
This is the fourth Ranji Trophy final for Saurashtra in seven seasons. Notably, they were defeated in all three previous finale appearances by huge margins. Vidarbha trounced Saurashtra by 78 runs in the previous edition, while they were beaten twice by Mumbai in 2015-16 and 2012-13. Saurashtra have never lifted the trophy after 1943-44 (when Western India clinched the title).
Bengal's quest for maiden Ranji Trophy title after 13 years
Bengal are 72 runs away from clinching their first trophy after the 2006-07 season. They won their previous Ranji Trophy title in Sourav Ganguly's debut season back in 1989-90. Previously, Bengal won the tournament in 1938-39 when they defeated Southern Punjab. Post 2000, they have qualified for the finals in mere two editions - 2005-06 and 2006-07.
The teams will play in front of empty stands
In the wake of the ongoing coronavirus crisis, Day 5 of the Ranji Trophy final will be played behind closed doors. The decision has been taken on the basis of a directive from India's Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports. The final between the two teams is being played at the at the Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Rajkot.
