The Ranji Trophy Group C clash between Bengal and Karnataka got off to a thrilling start, as Bengal’s veteran skipper, Anustup Majumdar, crafted a determined century that lifted his side after early setbacks.

Opting to bat first, Bengal stumbled with the new ball, facing a fierce Karnataka attack. Vasuki Koushik struck early, removing Bengal’s opener Shuvam Dey for a duck and then dismissing Sudip Gharami for a painstaking 5 off 45 balls.

Bengal is home to Anustup Majumdar, a top-tier cricket player from India. His early years were spent in Chinsurah, where he was born, before relocating to Liluah. He is a player for the CAB division's Mohun Bagan cricket team. He can bat right-handed and bowl with a leg break. In 2012, Majumdar played cricket for the Indian A squad. He played a significant role in the Bengal team's 2019–2020 Ranji Trophy campaign. He went on to participate in the finals against Saurastra after scoring a vital 149 in the semi-finals against Karnataka in Eden Gardens to reach 311 in the first innings. One of the greatest knocks in Bengal's Ranji Trophy history is this one.

Majumdar’s Grit Steadies Bengal

Amid this tense start, 40-year-old Majumdar stepped in at No. 4 to lead his side’s recovery. Known for his resilience, he formed a crucial partnership with Sudip Chatterjee, who scored a composed 55 off 120 balls. Together, they weathered the initial storm, building a platform that gradually eased Bengal’s early woes. Majumdar’s century was a masterclass in patience and skill, as he selectively attacked loose deliveries while blocking Karnataka’s more dangerous ones. His partnership with Chatterjee revived Bengal’s innings, bringing them back into contention.

Karnataka’s Late Comeback

Just as Bengal seemed to stabilize, Karnataka’s bowlers staged a comeback, claiming key wickets in the final session to stall Bengal’s momentum. Their pressure brought about crucial breakthroughs, keeping Bengal at 249/5 at stumps and injecting fresh tension into the match. Bengal’s middle order will need to continue their fight on the second day to build a strong total, as Karnataka’s disciplined bowling has left the game hanging in the balance.

The Road Ahead: Bengal and Karnataka’s Goals

With three days left, Bengal will aim to capitalize on Majumdar’s century and push their score to a commanding total. The team will look to their remaining batsmen to continue the fight and reach a competitive score. Meanwhile, Karnataka will likely strategize to wrap up Bengal’s innings quickly on Day 2, hoping to seize control and set the stage for a victory.

The opening day of this Ranji Trophy encounter delivered high-stakes drama and impressive performances on both sides. Majumdar’s century has given Bengal a fighting chance, but Karnataka’s late strikes have left them with work to do. Dear Lykkers, fans can expect an enthralling contest ahead, as both teams seek to gain an advantage in this crucial Ranji Trophy fixture.