Young Abhimanyu Easwaran scored his second century of the match as Bengal logged home three points against Uttar Pradesh by virtue of their first innings lead in a drawn Ranji Trophy group league encounter, here today.
After securing a vital 56-run first innings lead, Bengal employed a safety-first approach declaring at 274 for six in 76 overs leaving UP with an improbable target of 331.
The two captains shook hands when UP scored 70 for no loss in 20 overs. UP got a point from the game.
Just like the first day, the final day also belonged right-handed opener Easwaran carried his bat through the innings with an unbeaten 110 following his 142 in the first innings.
This was his third first-class hundred and batted for a period of more five and quarter hours, facing 209 balls. There were 11 boundaries in his innings.
He added 115 for the first wicket with left-hander Sayan Sekhar Mondal (51), who is enjoying his new role, hitting his fourth half-century in his 13th first-class match.
He also added 145 runs for the fifth wicket with Shreevats Goswami, who raced his way to a 91-ball-100, punishing a jaded UP attack with 17 boundaries and a six. This is Goswami's second hundred in 31 games.
There was a mini-collapse in the Bengal second innings triggered by Kuldeep Yadav (4/107) as UP were reduced to 115 for no loss to 129 for five.
However Shreevats showed his attacking instincts as Easwaran again held anchore at one end to ensure safety for Bengal.
Brief Scores: Bengal 466 and 274/6 decl (Abhimanyu Easwaran 110 no, Shreevats Goswami 100 no, Sayan Sekhar Mondal 51, Kuldeep Yadav 4/107)
Uttar Pradesh 410 & 70/0. Match Drawn.
Points: Bengal 3; Uttar Pradesh 1.
Disclaimer: No Business Standard Journalist was involved in creation of this content
