Bengal smell win as Shahbaz, Shami shine

new delhi: All-rounder Shahbaz Ahmed struck his second first-class century before Mohammed Shami delivered a double blow in successive overs as Bengal tightened their grip in pursuit of a fourth successive Ranji Trophy Group C win here on Tuesday.

Resuming at 267/4, Bengal carried on from their strong position overnight with Shahbaz, who began the third day on 61, settling in quickly alongside Sumanta Gupta as the pair drove the hosts to a commanding 442 all out. At stumps on the penultimate day, Assam were 98/3 in their second innings, still 144 runs behind with seven wickets in hand, as Bengal pressed for a second straight bonus-point win.

Bengal lead the Group C table with three wins from four matches and remain two points clear of second-placed Haryana (18). Shahbaz’s fluent 101 off 122 balls, laced with 11 fours and two sixes, anchored Bengal’s innings.

Gupta matched him stroke-for-stroke during their imposing 129-run fifth-wicket stand before Mukhtar Hussain finally broke through, trapping Shahbaz soon after the left-hander completed his century.