Ranji Trophy: Bengal earn three points in drawn match against Maharashtra

Pragyan Ojha took three wickets to hurt Maharashtra.

Pune: Putting up a much better show, Bengal bowlers took wickets swiftly on the final day to ensure that they get first innings lead against Maharashtra and walk away with three points, here today.

Maharashtra started at a strong position of 296 for three but were all out for 406 as left-arm spinner Pragyan Ojha took three wickets.

It was crucial for Maharashtra that overnight batsmen Rahul Tripathi (132) and Ankit Bawne (65) continue in the same way they batted on Tuesday but they could not.

Pratap Singh castled Bawne and Tripathi was dismissed by Mukesh Kumar in same fashion.

Once the two batsmen departed, it was easy for Bengal to wrap up the Maharashtra innings.

Bengal scored 100 for in their second innings with opener Abhimanyu Easwaran remaining unbeaten on 53.

Brief Scores:

Bengal 528/8d and 100 for 1 in 33 overs

Maharashtra 406 all out in 129.2 overs. (R Tripathi 132; P Ojha 3/73).