Ranji Trophy: Bengal piles on the runs against Services

The lower-order chipped in with useful runs as Bengal posted 552 in its first innings. In reply, Services was 103 for one at close on Day Two.

Mohammed Shami chipped in with 23 with the bat and then had Services batsman Ravi Chauhan retire hurt. (File Photo)

Bengal continued to assert control over Services, posting 552 in its first innings on the second day of the Ranji Trophy at the Palam ground here on Saturday.

With Ashoke Dinda smashing 55 off 25 balls, and Mohammed Shami (23) lending him good support, Bengal displayed its batting prowess till it declared its innings closed. Services responded well, but at 103 for one at close, with Ravi Chauhan having retired hurt with a blow around his knee by Mohammed Shami, the match wore an open look.

First day report: Sudip Chatterjee's unbeaten century puts Bengal in command

Even on a placid pitch, it could be a test of character for Services as a big total is bound to weigh in the minds of its batsmen.

Though not at his menacing best - and understandably so - it was Shami who got the wicket of opener Nakul Verma. However, Navneet Singh was unbeaten on 44 off 121 balls, and will resume the innings on Sunday with Amit Pachhara.

Pacers among the wickets

After resuming at 341 for three, Bengal continued to collect runs at a brisk pace. Five batsmen reached half-centuries after Sudip Chatterjee had set the tempo with a sparkling century. In fact, except for Anustup Majumdar who got out for two, the rest made useful contributions.

Despite the unhelpful conditions, it was the medium-pacers who managed to strike for Services. Sachidanand Pandey was the most successful bowler, with four wickets, while opening bowler Diwesh Pathania accounted for three. Leg-spinner Muzafaruddin Khalid Ahmad bagged the wicket of Bengal captain Manoj Tiwary; he was the most expensive bowler for Services, conceding 152 from 28 overs.