Bengal declare first innings at 560/6

KolkataL Riding on wicketkeeper Wriddhiman Saha`s unbeaten 167, Bengal declared their first innings at 560 for six, about an hour after tea on the second day of their Group B Ranji Trophy Super League tie against Gujarat on Friday.

In reply, Gujarat made 10 for no loss during the six overs they played at the Eden Gardens with captain Parthiv Patel (8) and all-rounder P K Panchal (1) remaining unbeaten. Resuming the day at the overnight score of 261 for 4, Saha, in skipper Manoj Tiwary`s comapnay, played a fine innings to stake his claim for a berth in the Indian team for the upcoming tour of Australia. Saha, who fifth first-class century, successfully shouldered the responsibility after Tiwary (132) was caught by Parthiv off Amit Singh. Coming on to bat after the fall of fourth Bengal wicket on Friday, Saha faced 292 balls and batted for 430 minutes during his marathon knock. He hit 26 boundaries and a six in the process. Saha was ably assisted by Laxmi Ratan Shukla and Sourashaish Lahiri, who remained unbeaten 78 and 71 respectively. While Shukla hit 12 fours and a six during his 120-ball innings, Lahiri struck six boundaries and two huge hits over the fence during his 114-ball vigil at the crease. Gujarat bowlers toiled throughout the day but failed to create problems for Bengal batsmen. P K Panchal was the most successful among the visiting team bowlers with figures of two for 41, including the prized wicket of former India captain Sourav Ganguly. PTI