Railways take 232-run lead over Bengal

Thriving on a vital 232-run first innings lead, Railways outplayed Bengal in every department of the game on day 4 of the Ranji Trophy semi-final, in Delhi on Saturday, to assure themselves a place in the final.

It is only a matter of academic interest whether Railways will register an outright victory or enter the final by virtue of the first innings lead.

In title clash, Railways will meet Baroda, who made sure of a final berth on Friday after beating Punjab in their semi-final.

By stumps on the penultimate day the match, at the Karnail Singh stadium, Railways were 135 for 1 in the second innings, with left-hand batsmen Amit Pagnis batting on 59 and Tejinder Pal Singh unbeaten on 5.

After restricting the visitors to 325, in reply to their first innings total 557, Railways began their second eassy on a confident note as openers Sanjay Bangar and Pagnis accumulated runs without any trouble and completed an undefeated century-stand for the first wicket.

The duo of Bangar and Pagnis looked unstoppable as both played strokes at the will and notched up half-centuries. Bangar reached his 50 with the help of six boundaries and two sixes.

When it seemed that Bangar would go for a big score, he lost his concentration and gave a simple catch to Amitabh Chakaroborty at forward short-leg, off the bowling of spinner Utpal Chatterjee. He scored 62 in a total of 134.

After the dismissal of Bangar, Pagnis hit his half century and remained unbeaten on 59 (134b, 5x4) with Tejinder.

Earlier, contributions by Subhomoy Das (82, 11x4) and Sanjib Sanyal (59, 8x4) helped Bengal reach 325, in reply to Railways first innings score of 557, but their efforts were hardly enough to pull their side out of doldrums.

Earlier reports:
Railways in driver's seat
Tejinderpal hits 100 as Bengal toil
Pagnis, Bangar give Railways good start