Prithvi Shaw showcased his return to form as Maharashtra secured a commanding 10-wicket victory over Bengal in their Ranji Trophy Elite Group C match at Eden Gardens. After bowling Bengal out for 186 in their second innings, Maharashtra comfortably chased down the target of 112 runs in just 19.4 overs. The win propelled Maharashtra to the top of the Group C standings with 19 points, while Bengal slipped to the second position. This result marks a significant turnaround for the visitors, who dominated despite challenging weather conditions throughout the four-day encounter.
- Prithvi Shaw remained unbeaten on 53 off 50 balls, hitting three fours and four sixes.
- Sachin Dhas supported the chase with an aggressive 61 not out from 68 deliveries.
- Pradeep Dadhe and Hitesh Walunj both claimed four wickets each to dismantle Bengal’s batting lineup.
- Tanay Sanghvi earned Player of the Match honors for his all-round contribution across both innings.
Match Situation and Performance
Maharashtra set up the win by securing a crucial 75-run first-innings lead. Bengal struggled to find consistency with the bat, and their captain Abhimanyu Easwaran failed to make an impact in either innings. While Abhishek Porel and Sumanta Gupta offered some resistance for Bengal, the team collapsed once their partnership was broken. The visitors maintained tight control with their bowling attack, ensuring the hosts never built a platform to challenge the small total.
Prithvi Shaw anchored the final chase with confidence, showing high intent from the first ball. His partnership with Sachin Dhas ensured there were no hiccups, as the pair reached the target without losing a wicket. This victory highlights Maharashtra’s growing momentum in the tournament. They now look to build on this performance as they continue their campaign for the domestic title this season.
What Happens Next
The Ranji Trophy now enters a scheduled break as players shift focus to the upcoming T20 format. The Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 Trophy is set to begin on November 14 across various venues. This tournament will serve as a vital platform for domestic players ahead of the high-profile IPL mini-auction scheduled for November 16 in Goa. Following the conclusion of the white-ball season, the red-ball action will resume with the fifth round of matches starting on January 17 next year.
Teams will use the upcoming gap to analyze their standings and address specific tactical weaknesses. For leaders like Maharashtra, the focus will remain on maintaining their current form. Meanwhile, other sides will look to regroup after mixed results in the opening rounds. The league stage remains highly competitive, with significant points still on offer for all groups in the new year.
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