Ganguly overshadow Bengal march into semis

Kolkata, Jan 12 (UNI) A vintage Sourav Ganguly was in full flow at the Eden Gardens easing to his seventh Ranji century to help Bengal take a lead of 390 runs as they declared their innings at a massive 583 for six against Rajasthan here today.

In reply, Rajasthan scored 202 for four at close of play.

Ganguly's innings of 122 runs came off just 118 deliveries studded with 21 boundaries. He lost his wicket trying to raise the tempo and getting caught at mid-on by Aslam Khan off leg-spinner Sumit Khatri.

Yesterday's top scorer Manoj Tewari, however, failed to score his double century falling to Sailendra Ghelot for 181.

Rajasthan openers disappointed again as both Rohit Sharma (15) and Subhanshu Vijay (9) fell cheaply to Sourav Sarkar who looked lethal with the new ball.

There was a possibility of Bengal wrapping up the match today itself when Ranadeb Bose rattled the stumps of Rajasthan's first innings top scorer Rahul Kanwat for just five runs.

The Rajasthan middle order, however, had other plans. Nikhil Doru (60 not out), Rajesh Bishnoi (39) and Rohit Jhalani (62 not out) put up a fight that gave Rajasthan something to smile about.

Asked whether the declaration came a bit late, skipper Deep Dasgupta said: '' I don't think it will make any difference. The wicket didn't have much life and we thought it was important that Laxmi (Ratan Shukla) got some batting to come back to form. '' Tomorrow might be a hectic day for the bowlers as they hope to pack up Rajasthan and win the match. With two set batsmen at the crease, and Ajay Jadeja still to come in, the likes of Bose, Sarkar and Ashok Dinda certainly have their work cut out.

The record of highest wicket in one Ranji season also beckons Ranadeb Bose, giving him an incentive to perform.

UNI