Excelsior Sports Correspondent
JAMMU, Dec 31: Bengal produced a commanding performance against Jammu and Kashmir in a Vijay Hazare Trophy encounter held at Sanosara Cricket Ground, Rajkot, winning by nine wickets in a low-scoring contest. The match highlighted Bengal’s bowling strength and clinical batting, while J&K struggled to put up a competitive total.
Electing to bowl first, Bengal’s pace duo, Mukesh Kumar and Akash Deep, wreaked havoc on the J&K batting lineup. Mukesh claimed 4 wickets for 16 runs and Akash picked up 4 for 32, dismantling the opposition’s middle and lower order. Mohammed Shami complemented the attack with 2 for 14, as J&K was restricted to just 63 runs in 20.4 overs. Only skipper Paras Dogra (19) and Shubham Khajuria (12) managed to reach double figures, while three batters were dismissed without scoring.
Chasing the modest target, Bengal made light work of the innings, reaching 66/1 in 9.3 overs. Abhishek Porel (30 not out) and Sudip Kumar Gharami (25 not out) anchored the innings with composed batting, ensuring a comfortable win. Auqib Nabi Dar (1/21) was the only bowler to make a significant impact for J&K. The victory marked Bengal’s third win of the tournament, propelling them to the second spot in the points table.
SCORE BOARD:
J&K 63 all out in 20.4 overs (P Dogra 19, Mukesh Kumar 4/16, Akash Deep 4/32, Mohammed Shami 2/14). Bengal 66 for 1 in 9.3 overs (Abhishek Porel 30 not out, Sudip Kumar Gharami 25 not out; Auqib Nabi Dar 1/21).
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