Prithvi Shaw returns to form as Maharashtra end Bengal’s winning run in the Ranji Trophy

Prithvi Shaw rediscovered his batting touch with an unbeaten half-century as Maharashtra recorded an impressive 10-wicket victory over Bengal in their Ranji Trophy Elite Group C match at the Eden Gardens on Thursday. The result ended Bengal’s three-match winning streak and helped Maharashtra to top the group.

Chasing a target of 112, Maharashtra needed just 19.4 overs to win. Shaw led the charge with an unbeaten 53 off 50 balls, hitting three fours and four sixes. He found an able partner in Sachin Dhas, who remained unbeaten on 61 off 68 deliveries and smashed 10 boundaries as the visitors finished on 114 for no loss.

For Shaw, the half-century was an important confidence boost after an inconsistent start to the season. The Maharashtra skipper made a promising start to his campaign, scoring 70 off 73 balls against Services in the opening round as his side registered a 127-run victory.

He also made 21 against Jharkhand in the next match which ended in a draw and Maharashtra secured a first innings lead. However, his form dipped against Gujarat where he managed scores of 17 and zero. Shaw then suffered another disappointment in the first innings against Bengal when he fell to Mohammed Shami when he fell for 12 off 21 balls.

His unbeaten 53 in the fourth innings therefore came at an important time, especially as Maharashtra looked to maintain their momentum in the contest.

MAHARASHTRA BOWLER SET UP EMPLANTIC WIN

The victory was built on a decisive 75-run first innings lead. After bowling Bengal out for 143 in just 36.5 overs, Maharashtra replied with 218 in 82.5 overs with Tanay Sanghvi contributing a valuable 60 off 179 balls. Mohammed Shami was the standout bowler for Bengal, taking four wickets for 37 runs, while Shahbaz Ahmed picked up three for 39.

Bengal struggled in their second innings with Abhishek Porel scoring 65 off 84 balls and Sumanta Gupta 59 off 93 deliveries. The duo added 64 runs for the seventh wicket after Bengal slipped to 87 for six, offering some resistance.

However, Pradeep Dadhe and Hitesh Walunj took four wickets each to bowl out Bengal for 186 in 54.4 overs, leaving Maharashtra with a target of 112.

Maharashtra’s win was particularly significant given Bengal’s impressive start to the campaign. Abhimanyu Easwaran’s side won their first three matches, beating Delhi by nine wickets, Services by 60 runs and Kerala by 287 runs. The loss to Maharashtra ended the winning streak.

The result also changed the standings of Group C. Maharashtra picked up seven points, including a bonus point, to move to the top with 19 points, while Bengal slipped to second with 18. Tanay Sanghvi was named player of the match for his all-round contribution as he scored an unbeaten 60 in the first innings and took five wickets in two innings.

Shaw’s unbeaten half-century will hopefully provide a platform for a more consistent run of performances as Maharashtra look to consolidate their position in the competition.

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