Anustup and Manoj played brilliantly against Assam in Ranji Trophy

Sports Editor, Takmaa News, Kolkata, 26th Jan 2024 : Brilliant Anustup (120) & Manoj (68) help Bengal reach 242/4 on Day 1 against Assam in Ranji Trophy

Veteran batsman Anustup Majumdar once again proved his mettle, smashing a fighting unbeaten 120 as Bengal managed to reach 242/4 at stumps on Day 1 in their first innings against Assam in the fourth Elite Group B match at the ACA Stadium in Barsapara, Guwahati, on Friday.

The 39-year-old Anustup, who also brought up his second century of the Ranji season, was well supported at the other end by skipper Manoj Tiwary (68 batting).

With the visitors in trouble at 57/4, the experienced duo got into the rescue act by
adding a much-needed unbeaten 185-run partnership for the fifth wicket to take team to a respectable total at the end of the day.

Enroute his 197-ball knock, Anustup struck 16 boundaries while Manoj in his 182-ball innings hit 7 fours.

Earlier, put into bat, openers Shreyansh Ghosh (13) and Sourav Paul (12) got the team off to a cautious start.

But in the eighth over of the day, the home side got the breakthrough sending Shreyansh back to the pavilion.

Mohammad Kaif (2) sent in at No.3 also fell followed by Sourav as Bengal were reduced to 28/3 inside 14 overs.

Incoming talented batsman Sudip Kumar Gharami (10) also departed after getting off to good start to put the visitors in trouble at 57/4.

From there on, against the run of play, it was a one way traffic as the experience of Anustup and Manoj came to the fore.

The duo played sensibly while also scoring runs on loose balls to remain unbeaten at the end of the day.

For Assam, Mukhtar Hussain was the pick of the bowlers bagging 2 for 36.