Bengal take two points, eye win

Kolkata, Dec 28 (UNI) Skipper Deep Dasgupta and Rohan Gavaskar helped Bengal gain a vital 110-run first innings lead and two vital points against Maharashtra on the third day of their Ranji Trophy Elite Group B encounter at the Eden Gardens here today.

Dasgupta was out on 49 when veteran Sairaj Bahutule send him back to the pavilion. Gavaskar who was suffering from high fever defied all odds to chip in with a well-made 38.

But the star of the day was no doubt Sourashish Lahiri.His gritty 54 helped Bengal reach 325 after resuming the day on 199 for five.

Lahiri hit seven boundaries before S Sriram trapped him leg before wicket.

Maharashtra started their reply confidently, ending the day on 78 for one.

Lahiri picked up opener M Nigde. Dhiraj Jadav was batting on 25 along with Hrishikesh Kanitkar, also on 25.

The lead assures Bengal two points from the match. But Dasgupta will look forward to senior seamer Ranadeb Bose striking early tomorrow, as Bengal will go all out in search of an outright win.

UNI BA SJC LS HS2242