Owing to their first innings lead, Bengal grabbed three crucial points against Haryana after their Group A Ranji Trophy match ended in a draw at the CH Bansi Lal Cricket Stadium, Lahli here today.
Resuming their second innings at 146 for seven, Bengal declared at 211 for eight, to set Haryana a target of 316. Overnight Bengal batsman Pankaj Shaw (61) produced a patient 148-ball half century which included two fours.
Haryana's runchase was derailed early on when they were reduced to 14 for 2 in 6.1 overs but skipper Virendra Sehwag blasted a 52-ball 46 laced with six boundaries, while Rohit Sharma (50) and Sachin Rana (50) cracked twin half centuries to reignite the chase.
However, Sehwag was dismissed by Sayan Mondal in the 23rd over and once Rohit and Sachin were sent back to the hut by Mukesh Kumar and Ashok Dinda respectively in the 43rd and 52nd over, the match was headed to a draw.
Wicket-keeper Rahul Dalal (1) was also dismissed by Dinda as Haryana eventually ended their second innings at 195 for six in 62 overs.
For Bengal, Dinda (3/52) scalped three wickets, while V Pratap Singh (1/40), SS Mondal (1/32) and Mukesh Kumar (1/46) picked one each.
Brief Score:
Bengal 329 & 211/8d in 93.5 overs (P Shaw 61; AH Hooda 4/65)
Haryana 225 & 195/6 in 62 overs (R Sharma 50, S Rana 50; A Dinda 3/52).
