Ranji Trophy | Bengal rides on young gun Abishek’s maiden century

Abishek Porel scores maiden century as Bengal takes a comfortable position against Chhattisgarh in Ranji Trophy match.

Abishek Porel curbed his attacking instinct to score his maiden hundred and put Bengal in a comfortable position on the second day of its Ranji Trophy Group-B match against Chhattisgarh at the Eden Gardens here on Saturday.

Bengal rode on the 21-year-old Abishek’s knock to finish the day at 381 for eight in its first innings after play resumed in the post-lunch session due to bad light.

Even though the delayed start denied the Chhattisgarh pacers the advantage of bowling in the morning session, the touring bowlers hit the right areas and kept Bengal in check.

The overnight pair of Anustup Majumdar and Abishek (114, 219b, 14x4, 1x6) added 41 more for a 120-run stand. Anustup’s innings ended when he edged Sourabh Majumdar to second slip.

With conditions easing out, Abishek gathered 46 runs with debutant Shubham Chatterjee.

For the flamboyant Abishek, whose previous best was 73, it was a different role. He enjoyed a bit of luck and stayed put against the Chhattisgarh pacers. Despite being troubled by Ravi Kiran, who extracted extra bounce with his high-arm action and some movement from the surface, the left-hander hung on to achieve a personal milestone.

Absorbing pressure and playing an uncharacteristic knock, Abishek, who scored the majority of his runs between third man and cover, was relieved after reaching the three-figure mark in the final session. He was bowled by Vasudev Bareth.