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Ranji Trophy: Bengal Defend 208 to Sink Services

Bengal extended their early momentum in the Ranji Trophy 2026-27 by defeating Services by 60 runs in a low-scoring Group C clash at Palam A Ground. After posting a modest first-innings total of 184, Bengal restricted Services to 122 in their reply before sealing the win with a disciplined 146-run chase, thanks in part to Pradipta Pramanik’s economical spell of 4/48.

Services’ lone resistance came from opener Nitin Tanwar, who scored a gritty 49, while Bengal’s Shahbaz Ahmed claimed three wickets to disrupt the opposition’s batting lineup. The match remained tightly contested throughout, with neither side surpassing 200 runs in either innings, underscoring the tactical dominance of Bengal’s bowlers in a high-stakes fixture.

Elsewhere in Group C, Delhi’s imposing first-innings declaration of 648 for six set a daunting target for Gujarat, who were left trailing by 285 runs after reaching 363 for five. Manan Hingrajia’s unbeaten 108 not out provided Gujarat’s only significant resistance, as he anchored the innings with a patient 274-ball effort.

Meanwhile, Maharashtra showcased their batting firepower by declaring at 527 for five, establishing a commanding 358-run lead over Jharkhand. Ruturaj Gaikwad, Ankit Bawne, and Digvijay Patil all contributed centuries, with Bawne’s 169 not out and Patil’s 148 proving pivotal in the hosts’ dominant performance.

Jharkhand, struggling to rebuild their innings, were dismissed for 130 in their second dig, leaving Maharashtra in control of the match’s outcome.

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