Kalyani, Jan 12 (Agency) Riding on a stupendous performance by the bowlers, Bengal bounced back in style to remain just 124 runs away from a fantastic victory against Baroda in their Ranji Trophy Elite Group A clash here on Thursday. After being bowled out for 191 in their first innings, Bengal bowlers Mukesh Kumar (4-43), Ishan Porel (3-22) and Akash Deep (1-19) were ruthless with the ball as Baroda were bundled out for just 98 in their second innings to hand a 177-run target to the home side.Chasing the target, Abishek Das (7), Abhimanyu Easwaran (9) and Anustup Majumdar (9) were all back in the hut as Bengal were 53/3 at stumps on Day 3 with Sudip Kumar Gharami unbeaten on 28.Earlier, resuming the day from overnight score of 189/9, Bengal added only two runs in the morning before their innings folded for 191. For Baroda, Sahejadkhan Pathan impressed with the ball bagging five wickets which helped them grab a vital 78-run lead in the first innings.
In reply, Baroda in their second innings, dealt a body blow at the start as Mukesh got rid of top-order batters Jyotsnil Singh and Priyanshu Moliya in quick succession before the visitors could add any runs on the board.Despite wickets at the other end, Pratyush Kumar held his ground.But the Bengal pacers didn’t let the Baroda batsmen settle in as Mukesh and Ishan dismantled the middle order to leave the visitors in deep trouble at 22 for 5. The lower order too surrendered without putting up a fight as wickets at regular intervals had Baroda in a spot of bother at 63 for 8.As all other batsmen got the going tough, Pratyush stood out from the rest scoring a much-needed unbeaten 62 runs to give his side some hope.Their innings folded for 98 as all other 10 batters failed to cross the single-digit mark.