Bengal in driver's seat against Maharashtra in Ranji tie

Kolkata, Dec 26 (UNI) Bengal established a firm control over the match, reaching 199 for five today after destroying Maharashtra for 215 in the Ranji tie at the Eden Gardens.

Bengal reached 199 for five with good starts from Arindam Das (37), Abhishek Jhunjhunwala(41) and A Chakraborty (27). But the players could not capitalise on the starts.

Sanclecha claimed three wickets for 76 runs.

At the end of the day Deep Dasgupta remained unbeaten on 10 and Rohan Gavaskar remained unbeaten on 17.

Almost assured of overhauling the Maharashtra total being only 16 runs behind and five wickets in hand, Bengal will go for an outright victory.

Earlier, Ranadeb Bose ran through the lower order to finish with figures of five for 60 runs. S Sriram remained unbeatern on 68 as he ran out of partners. Sanlecha delayed the inevitable with a brisk 26 runs.

UNI BA SJC DH VV1840