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

Bowlers put Vidarbha on top despite Abhimanyu Easwaran half-century

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

Vidarbha bowlers celebrating a wicket against Bengal in Ranji Trophy 2024-25

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]

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