Paradkar steers Mumbai to victory over Bengal

Chennai, Jan 16 (UNI) Nikil Paradkar scored an unbeaten half century to power Maharashtra to a facile six wicket win over Bengal and a place in the quarter-finals of the Under-19 knock out tournament for the Vinoo Mankad trophy here today.

Requiring a meagre 124 in 50 overs, Maharashtra, riding on Paradkar's good knock (50 not out, 60 balls, 3x4, 1x6) cantered home in 32.1 overs, scoring 125 for four.

Viral Shah also contributed with the bat scoring 27 runs, despite a two wicket burst by Bablu Goswami (two for 24).

Earlier, batting first, Bengal were bowled out for 123 in 39.3 overs. Except Abhishek Bhowmik (29) there were no worthwhile contributions as Bengal lost wickets at regular intervals.

Maharashtra medium pacers Aditya Dole, Srikanth Mundhe and Harshad Khadiwalle claimed two wickets each.

Brief Scores: Bengal 123 all out in 39.3 overs (Abhishek Bhowmik 29, Aditya Dole 2 for 22, Srikanth Mundhe 2 for 25, Harshad Khadiwalle two for 14) lost to Maharashtra 125 for four in 32.1 overs (Viral Shah 27, Nikil Paradkar 50 not out, Bablu Goswami 2 for 24).

UNI