RANJI TROPHY | Bengal vs Kerala game peters out into a dull draw

Ranji Trophy match between Bengal and Kerala ends in a draw due to Cyclone Dana impact.

The massive loss of play on the first two days due to the impact of Cyclone Dana ultimately affected the outcome of the Ranji Trophy Group-C match between Bengal and Kerala. The match ended in a dull draw at the Jadavpur University ground on Tuesday.

After Kerala, resuming from 267 for seven, declared at 356 for nine, Bengal logged 181 for three on the final day. Both teams secured one point apiece as the first innings could not be completed.

Kerala added 89 quick runs in 18 overs in the morning. Overnight batters Salman Nizar and Mohammed Azharuddeen, starting from 64 and 30 respectively, formed a 124-run partnership for the eighth wicket to show Kerala’s depth in batting and guide it to a position of strength.

Azharuddeen (84, 97b, 11x4s, 2x6s) shouldered the responsibility and plundered 54, including six fours and two sixes off Shahbaz Ahmed and Mohammed Kaif, off 49 deliveries before falling to Kaif.

Ishan Porel removed Nidheesh M.D. to pick up his sixth wicket.

When Kerala declared its innings, Nizar (95 n.o., 262b, 8x4s, 1x6) was five short of what would have been his maiden ton.

Chasing an improbable 357 in a little more than two sessions, Bengal openers, debutant Shuvam Dey (67, 113b, 7x4, 1x6) and Sudip Chatterjee (57, 102b, 9x4), batted sensibly to score half-centuries and put up 101 runs on an unresponsive track.