Sports · Cricket · 23 hrs ago
Bengal close in on Ranji win as Shami and Pramanik trouble Kerala
Bengal put Kerala under pressure in their Ranji Trophy match in Thiruvananthapuram, with the hosts 53 for four at the end of Day 3.
Kerala need 355 runs to win, and the match is being played on a deteriorating pitch where turn and uneven bounce make batting difficult.
Bengal built that target after dismissing Kerala for 141 in the first innings, then scoring 198 in their second.
Mohammed Shami took three first-innings wickets and added 26 runs, while left-arm spinner Pradipta Pramanik took four wickets in each of Kerala’s innings.
The match matters for Bengal’s place at the top of Group C, and a win would give them 18 points from three games after earlier victories over Delhi and Services.
Bengal are aiming for a third straight win on the final day, Thursday, if the weather allows; Shami is also seeking a return to India’s team after being out of it for 20 months.
Bengal moved close to a Ranji Trophy win after reducing Kerala to 53 for four while chasing 355 on Day 3.
Mohammed Shami and Pradipta Pramanik led Bengal’s bowling effort, with Pramanik taking all four Kerala wickets to fall in the second innings.
Bengal had dismissed Kerala for 141 in the first innings to take a 209-run lead.
Shahbaz Ahmed helped Bengal reach 350 in the first innings with a century, and later took wickets with the ball.
- Who
- Bengal and Kerala contested the match. Mohammed Shami and Pradipta Pramanik starred for Bengal.
- What
- Bengal moved close to victory in their Ranji Trophy match against Kerala.
- When
- The match was reported on October 27 and 28, 2026; Bengal reduced Kerala to 53 for four at stumps on Day 3.
- Where
- Mangalapuram in Thiruvananthapuram.
- Why
- Bengal were in control after taking a 209-run first-innings lead and setting Kerala a target of 355.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Bengal posted 350 in their first innings, led by Shahbaz Ahmed’s 121, and Kerala ended the day at 101 for six.
Bengal dismissed Kerala for 141 to take a 209-run lead.
Kerala were 53 for four while chasing Bengal’s target of 355.
- Bengal first innings
- 350
- Shahbaz Ahmed
- 121 runs
- Kerala first innings
- 141
- Bengal’s first-innings lead
- 209 runs
- Kerala second innings at Day 3 stumps
- 53 for four, chasing 355
- Pradipta Pramanik
- Took all four Kerala wickets to fall in the second innings
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What people are saying
Hope should always be there (for India comeback). In any profession, in any sport, you should have a goal. Everyone has a goal. Today we are playing for Ranji Trophy and playing for the title.