UP tighten noose around Bengal, Manoj fined

Kolkata, Dec 18 (UNI) Uttar Pradesh tightened the noose around Bengal, reaching 437 for seven on the second day of the Ranji tie at the Eden Gardens here today, while Manoj Tewari was docked 50 per cent of his match fees for showing dissent.

In reply to Bengal's paltry 149, Uttar Pradesh were 437 with P Kumar batting on 50 and Amir Khan batting on 30 at draw of stumps.

Meanwhile, match referee Inderjit Singh Sachdeva docked Manoj Tewari 50 per cent of his match fees for bringing the game into disrepute arguing with the umpire after being given out lbw.

He was also warned that if he repeated the offence within a year, it would be level two offence and could lead to suspension.

Ranadeb Bose and Pravin Kumar were let-off with a warning and rider that if they repeated their on-field feisty barb, it would lead to a level one offence and could be penalised with fine.

Mohammad Kaif led from the front, scoring a fine 91 and setting the pattern of the day, after Suresh Raina was scooped up by Mondal off S S Paul adding just eight runs to the overnight score of 55.

He was ably supported by Piyush Chawla, who blossomed to hit a spectacular 50 that comprised ten boundaries. His 65 balls innings of 53 was cut short by a brilliant diving catch at gully by substitute Priyankur Mukherjee off Sourav Sarkar.

But Kaif continued with consummate ease and none of the bowlers except S S Paul showed any venom in their bowling. They bowled and hoped the Uttar Pradesh would commit some error and give their wicket.

Kaif was the last one out today nine short of a fine ton, when he was brilliantly caught and bowled by Sarkar. Kaif had played early onto to a slower delivery from Sarkar to end his 170-ball essay that had 13 hits to the fence.

At crease Uttar Pradesh looked set for a 450 plus score with Pravin Kumar batting on a strokeful 50 with five boundaries, and giving him company was Amir Khan on 30 with five boundaries.

UNI