Bengal`s quarterfinal place uncertain after loss to Tripura

Kolkata: Defending champions Bengal put up yet another listless batting display to concede a humiliating bonus point to minnows Tripura, who sailed to a two-wicket victory to conclude their campaign on a high in East Zone leg of the Vijay Hazare Trophy ODI domestic tournament on Thursday.

With seven points in its kitty, Bengal will now have to beat East Zone leaders Assam in their concluding league match tomorrow to advance into the knock-out stage. Tripura, on the other hand, departed on a high as they picked up a bonus point victory in their concluding league fixture after suffering three defeats on the trot. Tripura took the maximum advantage of the toss at the Jadavpur campus ground in Saltlake, as they bundled out Bengal for 121 in 33.3 overs. Bengal lost their last four wickets for six runs. The hosts` top-order was equally sloppy as their top four batsmen, including Manoj Tiwary (16), scored just 22 runs. Anushtup Majumdar (30) was the top-scorer for Bengal, who benifitted from 31 extras conceded by Tripura, including 18 wides. In reply, Shami Ahmed (3/37) put up a discliplined bowling performance but the small target did not help Bengal`s cause as Tripura chased it down with 106 balls remaining to steal one point from the hosts. Timir Chanda anchored Tripura`s chase with his unbeaten 34 from 49 balls (5x4) after they were six down for 81. Brief Scores: Bengal: 121 all out in 33.3 overs (Anushtup Majumdar 30; Udit Patel 4/17, Timir Chanda 2/19, Bunti Roy 2/41). Tripura: 123 for 8 wickets in 32.2 overs (Gaurav Bhatia 32, Timir Chanda 34 not out; Shami Ahmed 3/37). Tripura won by 2 wickets. Tripura 5 points, Bengal 1. PTI