Ranji Trophy clash: Tripura secure lead against Bengal, earn 3 points
Agartala, Nov 4: After a string of disappointing performances in their previous two outings, Tripura bounced back in style to outplay Bengal in the Ranji Trophy match at MBB Stadium in Agartala today. The home side not only surpassed Bengal’s first-innings total but also secured a valuable three points, thanks to captain Manishankar Murasingh’s superb century.
Displaying one of the finest innings of his career, Murasingh led from the front to guide Tripura to a first-innings lead that proved decisive. His commanding hundred — the fifth of his first-class career — injected renewed confidence into the Tripura camp ahead of their next fixture against Assam, scheduled from November 8 to 11.
Tripura’s innings was built on solid performances from Manishankar, Hanuma Vihari, and Rana Dutta. In reply to Bengal’s 336, Tripura posted 385, taking a 49-run lead. Bengal, trailing in their second innings, finished the final day at 90/3.
Earlier, by the close of Day 3, Tripura were within striking distance of a lead at 273/7. The final day began with all eyes on the overnight batters — Hanuma and Manishankar — as they sought to resist Bengal’s attack. Hanuma’s determined knock finally ended at 141 off 253 deliveries, including 19 boundaries and a six, after a 116-run partnership with his skipper. His dismissal left Tripura needing 21 more runs to overtake Bengal.
At that tense moment, Rana Dutta joined Manishankar and the duo steadied the innings with a crucial 61-run stand off 72 balls. Rana contributed 27 off 49 balls with four boundaries, while Manishankar completed his century off just 130 deliveries, striking 12 fours and three sixes. Tripura eventually reached 385, with the captain remaining unbeaten on 102.
For Bengal, Mohammad Kaif was the pick of the bowlers with figures of 4/79, while Ishan Porel (3/72) and Rahul Prasad (2/55) also made key breakthroughs.
Chasing a 49-run deficit, Bengal’s top order crumbled early, slipping to 13/3 before skipper Anustup Majumdar and Shahbaz Ahmed steadied the innings. The two experienced batters added an unbroken 77-run partnership before play was called off. Majumdar finished on 34* (63 balls, 2 fours) and Shahbaz on 51* (45 balls, 7 fours).
For Tripura, Abhijit Sarkar impressed with 2/11, while Rana Dutta claimed 1/8. Hanuma Vihari’s composed batting earned him the Player of the Match award.
Tripura’s spirited comeback in the match against Bengal in their Ranji campaign is laudable, but consistency in the top order will be crucial as they aim to build on this hard-earned momentum.
