Ranji Trophy: Skipper's Knock by Laxmi Ratan Shukla Gives Bengal 3 Points vs Baroda
Bengal got three points by virtue of first innings lead of 101 runs. On the final day, Bengal batted out 82.1 overs to score 246 for nine as their overall lead swelled to 347 runs.
Skipper Laxmi Ratan Shukla (105 no) scored his ninth century in first-class cricket as Bengal started their campaign on a positive note logging three points in an away game against Baroda in the opening round fixture of the Ranji Trophy cricket tournament.
Bengal got those three points by virtue of first innings lead of 101 runs. On the final day, Bengal batted out 82.1 overs to score 246 for nine as their overall lead swelled to 347 runs.
The moment Shukla hit off-spinner Deepak Hooda for his third six to complete a well-deserved ton, the two captains decided to call off the proceedings.
Shukla got good support from debutant Subhojit Banerjee (44), who played the role of a sheet anchor to perfection playing 141 balls and hitting five boundaries in the process.
Shukla-Banrejee duo added 92 runs for the sixth wicket when Bengal were in a spot at 105 for five in the 46th over and lead only of 206 runs.
Shukla on his part played 119 balls to hit 16 fours and three sixes. He was severe on all the Baroda bowlers even when half of the side was back in the hut.
First innings hero Sudeep Chatterjee played attractive strokes in his short innings of 26 while Rohan Banerjee stonewalled 90 minutes for his 15 runs.