Madhya Pradesh wicket-taker Himanshu Mantri has shone on the first day of the Ranji Trophy semi-final against Bengal as his 134 unbeaten run led the team to 271 out of six. The day is clearly that of Mantri, a 28-year-old who opens with his left hand, as he frustrated Bengal attack while strengthening the innings. In his 280-inn innings, the Mantri hit 15 touchdowns and one top. Another notable contribution came from Akshat Raghuwanshi (63) when he and the Mantri combined for an MP inn innings after being in a worrying spot of 97 out of four. The duo made an important 123 runs stand for the fifth wicket in the friendly track.
The team coached by Chandrakant Pandit lost opener Yash Dubey (9) at a low price after he was locked in front of wickets by Pacer Mukesh Kumar (2/45).
Parliamentary captain Aditya Srivastava's decision to strike for the first time appeared to be reversed after their key player, with the exception of the Magistrate, failed miserably.
Mantri, who was strong on one side, had no partners. One on the floor Shubham Sharma (17), Rajat Patidar (7), and Srivastava (10) slammed into the paper to give Bengal the upper hand.
But then he left for Raghuwanshi, who played the second fiddle to the Mantri. An 18-year-old right-handed batsman hit eight crosses and six sixs in his 81 kick as the Member of Parliament won the ball.
However, while it looked like Raghuwanshi was going to score a big goal, Bengal pacer Akash Deep (2/55) gave his team the much-needed victory. He closed Raghuwanshi before the wicket and dismissed Saransh Jain, 17, as the eastern team tried to return.
While the stumps were being removed, the Magistrate and Puneet Datey (9) were holding the ropes.
For Bengal, Mukesh Kumar and Akash Deep are the top picks.
Bengal coach Arun Lal said, "The wicket is a hit track, it's hard to throw in this wicket. You need to throw special displays to get anyone out. Our two fast bowlers did an excellent job but it was a normal day for our spinners."
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