Patna: In a captivating encounter at Jhumka Ground, Hyderabad, Bengal defeated Bihar in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, showcasing a commanding performance. Opting to bowl first after winning the toss, Bengal restricted Bihar to a total of 235 runs in 49 overs. In response, Bengal chased down the target with ease, scoring 239 runs in just 42.3 overs, clinching victory by a margin of 6.3 overs.
Bihar’s Innings: Piyush Kumar Shines Amidst Struggles
Bihar’s batting line-up struggled to build momentum, with the exception of Piyush Kumar, who delivered a stellar performance. Kumar scored a resilient 89 runs off 112 balls, anchoring the innings. Bipin Saurabh contributed 34 runs, while Vaibhav Suryavanshi and Binny added 26 and 22 runs respectively. However, the remaining batsmen failed to make significant contributions, leaving Bihar’s total at a modest 235.
Bengal’s bowling attack proved effective, with Pradip Pramanik leading the charge by claiming three wickets. Karan and Mukesh chipped in with two wickets each, while Shami, Shyan Ghosh, and Kaushik each secured one wicket, ensuring Bihar’s batsmen could not capitalise on their starts.
Bengal’s Chase: Sudip Kumar Leads with an Unbeaten Century
Bengal’s reply was spearheaded by captain Sudip Kumar, who played a magnificent innings, scoring an unbeaten 107 runs. His captaincy knock was pivotal in securing the victory. Bengal’s batting line-up also saw valuable contributions from other players, including a century and a half-century partnership that solidified their position in the game.
Despite efforts from Bihar’s bowlers, including Suraj and Himanshu, who each took two wickets, Bengal’s batting order remained unshaken. Bihar’s frequent strategy adjustments failed to disrupt Bengal’s dominance.
Key Performers and Upcoming Matches
While Piyush Kumar’s brilliant knock stood out for Bihar, it was Sudip Kumar’s unbeaten century that stole the show and ensured Bengal’s triumph. The victory highlights Bengal’s robust performance with both bat and ball.
Bihar will look to regroup as they prepare for their next match against Kerala on 5 January 2025, at the same venue. Bengal’s impressive form, meanwhile, sets a high benchmark for the tournament.
