Bengal defeats Tripura by 22 runs

Bhubaneswar, Feb 15 (UNI) Bengal bowlers bundled out Tripura for 133, 22 runs short of the target and secured four points after their batsmen had failed to post a big target in the limited one day Ranji trophy match today.

Batting first, Bengal found it difficult to score on a wicket that helped the bowlers. As many as three Bengal batsmen failed to trouble the scorer and both the openers Rohan Gavaskar and S Das were dismissed for 3 and 2 respectively.

The team was reeling at 6 for 53 at one stage before Kamal Hussan and P Mukherjee rescued the team. Hasaan went on to score 69 runs while Mukherjee scored 20 taking Bengal to a total of 155 for 8 in their allotted 50 overs.

Tripura bowler Timir Chanda had an impressive figure of 4 for 28 while Monoj Singh claimed three wickets for 25 runs.

The Bengal bowlers hit back taking wickets as Tripura began the chase disastrously. The team was at a precarious five for 17 at one stage. Three Tripura batsmen were run out as they tried to push the score by taking quick singles.

Timir Chanda had a brilliant day following up his four wicket haul with a strokeful 43. He was ably assisted by Rajiv Saha, who scored 25 as Tripura inched towards the target. But with Timir, being bowled by Jhunjhunwalla, the run chase fell apart. Saha remained not out at 25 as Tripura were bowled out for 133 with three overs to spare.

Bengal bowlers S S Paul and R Bose claimed two wickets each for 29 and 21 runs respectively.

Brief Score: Bengal 155 for 8 in 50 overs (Kamal Hassan 69, Timir Chanda 4 for 28,Manoj Singh 3 for 27 ) Tripura 133 all out in 47 overs ( Timir Chanda 43, Rajiv Saha 25 (not out),S Paul 2 for 29 and R Bose 2 for 21 ) UNI DP PP AKP DH RN2104