A chaotic day of red-ball cricket saw 15 wickets tumble as Bengal seized a narrow upper hand against Services in their Ranji Trophy Group C encounter on Monday. Spin bowlers completely controlled proceedings at the Palam A Ground, where Services finished the second day at 12 without loss after being set a target of 197 runs to win.
Match Situation and Bowlers’ Dominance
Resuming with the game delicately balanced, both batting line-ups struggled to counter the turning track. Services were bundled out for 122 in 62.2 overs during their first innings, surrendering a 62-run lead to Bengal. Returning from an injury layoff, left-arm spinner Shahbaz Ahmed orchestrated the collapse with figures of 4 for 35, while offspinner Aamir Gani supported him with 4 for 31. Every single wicket in the Services first innings fell to the slow bowlers.
Faced with a chance to consolidate their position, Bengal stumbled in their second innings, getting dismissed for 146 in 52.5 overs. Rahul Singh wreaked havoc for Services by claiming 5 for 39. Captain Abhimanyu Easwaran offered the most resistance for Bengal with a top score of 30, leaving Services with a target of 209 to secure victory.
- Fifteen wickets fell across both innings on a gripping second day of action.
- Shahbaz Ahmed claimed 4 for 35 in 19 overs in his return from injury.
- Rahul Singh picked up 5 for 39 for Services during Bengal’s second innings collapse.
- Services reached 12 without loss in five overs before stumps, trailing by 197 runs.
What Happens Next
With Services safely negotiating the final five overs of the day without losing a wicket, openers Shubham Rohilla and Nitin Tanwar will resume the chase on the third morning. The contest remains evenly poised with three days left in the fixture, as both bowling attacks have demonstrated that wickets can be harvested regularly on the helpful surface.
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