Prithvi Shaw returns to form as Maharashtra end Bengal's winning run in Ranji Trophy
Prithvi Shaw rediscovered his batting touch with an unbeaten half-century as Maharashtra registered a commanding 10-wicket victory over Bengal in their Ranji Trophy Elite Group C encounter at Eden Gardens on Thursday. The result ended Bengal's three-match winning streak and helped Maharashtra move to the top of the group.
Chasing a target of 112, Maharashtra needed just 19.4 overs to complete the victory. Shaw led the charge with an unbeaten 53 off 50 balls, striking three fours and four sixes. He found an able partner in Sachin Dhas, who remained unbeaten on 61 off 68 deliveries, hitting 10 boundaries as the visitors finished at 114 without losing a wicket.
For Shaw, the half-century was an important confidence booster after an inconsistent start to the season. The Maharashtra captain had begun his campaign promisingly, scoring 70 off 73 balls against Services in the opening round as his team registered a 127-run victory.
He also made 21 against Jharkhand in the next match, which ended in a draw with Maharashtra securing the first-innings lead. However, his form dipped against Gujarat, where he managed scores of 17 and zero. Shaw then endured another disappointing outing in the first innings against Bengal, falling for 12 off 21 balls to Mohammed Shami.
His unbeaten 53 in the fourth innings, therefore, came at an important juncture, particularly with Maharashtra looking to maintain their momentum in the competition.MAHARASHTRA BOWLERS SET UP EMPHATIC VICTORY
The victory was built on a crucial first-innings lead of 75 runs. After bowling Bengal out for 143 in just 36.5 overs, Maharashtra responded with 218 in 82.5 overs, with Tanay Sanghvi contributing a valuable 60 off 179 balls. Mohammed Shami was Bengal's standout bowler, claiming four wickets for 37 runs, while Shahbaz Ahmed picked up three for 39.
Bengal fought back in their second innings, with Abhishek Porel scoring 65 off 84 balls and Sumanta Gupta making 59 off 93 deliveries. The duo added 64 runs for the seventh wicket after Bengal had slipped to 87 for six, offering some resistance.
However, Pradeep Dadhe and Hitesh Walunj claimed four wickets each to bowl Bengal out for 186 in 54.4 overs, leaving Maharashtra with a target of 112.
Maharashtra's victory was particularly significant given Bengal's impressive start to the campaign. Abhimanyu Easwaran's side had won their first three matches, defeating Delhi by nine wickets, Services by 60 runs and Kerala by 287 runs. The loss to Maharashtra brought that winning streak to an end.
The result also reshaped the Group C standings. Maharashtra collected 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, having scored an unbeaten 60 in the first innings and claimed five wickets across the two innings.
For Shaw, the unbeaten half-century will hopefully provide the platform for a more consistent run of performances as Maharashtra look to consolidate their position in the competition.- Ends
