Bengal is charging ahead in the Ranji Trophy 2025 with superb momentum. Thanks to the brilliant bowling of Shahbaz Ahmed, Mohammad Kaif, and Rahul Prasad, Bengal’s bowlers have enforced a follow-on against Railways. The match is now almost entirely under Bengal’s control. With the final day ahead, both an innings victory or a 10-wicket win are possible, bringing the dream of 7 points closer to Sudip Kumar Gharami’s team.
৫ উইকেট! রেলকে লাইনচ্যুত করে ৭ পয়েন্ট ঘরে তুলতে মরিয়া বাংলা
Bengal had posted a massive 474 runs in their first innings. After captain Sudip Kumar Gharami (0) and debutant Aditya Purohit (6) failed, the team was in trouble at 61 for 4. The experienced Anustup Majumdar and all-rounder Shahbaz Ahmed steadied the innings, putting on a 134-run partnership. Shahbaz scored a fiery 86 off 106 balls before getting out, while Anustup played a brilliant 135. On the second day, Sumanta Gupta scored a century (120), and with contributions from Rahul Prasad (40) and Vishal Bhati (36) towards the end, Bengal built a mountain of runs.
Railways’ reply was comparatively weak. By the end of the second day, they were 97 for 5. On the third day, Varghav Merai and Upendra Yadav showed some resistance with a 200-run partnership, putting Bengal under some pressure. But once Upendra (70) was dismissed by Mohammad Kaif, Railways’ innings collapsed. From 203 for 5, they were all out for 222, with Varghav (91) falling to Rahul Prasad, who along with Kaif took 2 wickets each.
Trailing by 252 runs, Railways were forced to follow-on. In the second innings, they struggled from the start. By the end of the third day, they were 90 for 5, still trailing by 162 runs, with only Varghav (20*) and Upendra (12*) at the crease.
Bengal’s camp is brimming with confidence. An innings victory would secure 7 points, giving them a huge advantage in the race for the Ranji Trophy knockout stage. If Shahbaz and Kaif can wrap up Railways early on the final day morning, that possibility remains firmly intact.
Bengal is shining on the Ranji stage with renewed energy. The fire of Shahbaz and Kaif’s bowling spells, combined with the batting brilliance of Anustup and Sumanta, has firmly established Gharami’s team as one of the tournament’s strongest sides.