Vidarbha’s Pace Trio Crush Bengal Despite Easwaran’s Gritty Fifty – Patidar Holds Key

Vidarbha Seize Control in Ranji Trophy Clash After Bowling Bengal Out for 198

Despite a resilient half-century from Abhimanyu Easwaran, Bengal’s first innings folded cheaply against a fiery Vidarbha pace attack on Day 2 of their Ranji Trophy Elite Group match. Now, with Rajat Patidar unbeaten on 42, Vidarbha hold a commanding position heading into the crucial third day .

Easwaran’s Lone Stand

Opener Abhimanyu Easwaran fought valiantly for Bengal, scoring a patient 67 off 152 balls—his 22nd First-Class fifty. However, he received little support from the middle order, which crumbled under disciplined bowling from Vidarbha’s seamers .

Vidarbha’s Bowling Masterclass

The home side’s pace trio delivered in unison, exploiting early moisture and inconsistent bounce to dismantle Bengal’s batting:

• Aditya Thackeray: 4/48 – swung the new ball and cleaned up the top order.
• Samarth Singh: 3/52 – trapped key batters with inswingers.
• Akshay Karnewar: 2/39 – provided control and broke crucial partnerships.

Match Snapshot: End of Day 2

Team	Score	Key Performer	Status
Bengal	198 all out	Abhimanyu Easwaran – 67 (152)	1st innings complete
Vidarbha	121/3	Rajat Patidar – 42* (78)	Lead by 23 runs; 7 wickets in hand

Why Patidar Is the Linchpin

Former India Test batter Rajat Patidar, fresh off his IPL exploits, is now Vidarbha’s anchor. His unbeaten 42 has already given his side a lead, and a big score on Day 3 could put Bengal under immense pressure in the remainder of the match .

Known for his aggressive strokeplay, Patidar has so far shown restraint—indicating a strategic shift to build a match-defining innings on a pitch offering assistance to seamers early on.

What’s at Stake?

This Elite Group encounter is critical for both teams’ qualification hopes in the 2024–25 Ranji Trophy. Vidarbha, the two-time champions (2017–18, 2018–19), are aiming to reclaim their dominance, while Bengal seek a strong campaign after last season’s semifinal exit.

[INTERNAL_LINK:Ranji Trophy 2024-25] | [INTERNAL_LINK:Rajat Patidar] | [INTERNAL_LINK:Abhimanyu Easwaran]

Sources

• ESPNcricinfo: Bowlers put Vidarbha on top despite Abhimanyu Easwaran half-century
• BCCI: Ranji Trophy 2024–25 Official Page