Nightwatchman Suraj Jaiswal’s hundred puts Bengal in command against Punjab

Suraj Jaiswal's maiden century propels Bengal against Punjab in Ranji Trophy Elite Group C match at Eden Gardens.

Night watchman Suraj Jaiswal’s superb maiden century put Bengal in a strong position against Punjab on the second day of the Ranji Trophy Elite Group C match at the Eden Gardens here on Friday.

Resuming at 119 for four, Bengal rode on Jaiswal’s hundred (111, 185b, 14x4, 4x6) to score 343 in its first innings and secure a sizable 152-run lead.

At stumps, Punjab was at 64 for three in its second innings.

In the morning, the Punjab seamers, including Gurnoor and Sahil, bowled well to ask questions regularly.

Bengal’s overnight pair of Sumanta Gupta (55, 69b, 7x4, 1x6) and Jaiswal, who took four wickets on day one, showed good intent to form a 43-run association. Sumanta got his first fifty before falling to a widish delivery off Gurnoor.

Jaiswal, who was dropped twice, showed character to hold one end. He joined hands with Abishek Porel (52, 53b, 9x4) for an important 72-run partnership, during which Bengal surpassed Punjab’s total in the 22nd over of the day.

Abishek lived up to his reputation, displaying his crispy drives, especially a few straight ones down the ground, in his quick half-century. He departed after edging Sahil Khan to gully.