Bengal get three points, Gambhir skips batting

Putting aside yesterday's skirmish with rival captain Gautam Gambhir, Manoj Tiwary led from the front with a patient 97 to ensure that Bengal pocket three points by virtue of first innings lead against Delhi in their drawn Ranji Trophy Group A match, here today.

Tiwary focussed on his game as Bengal scored 217 for four in their second essay after being precariously placed at 29/3 at one point.

A target of 326 in 44 overs was unachievable as Delhi were 161 for 4 when it was decided that match would be called off. Debutant Rishabh Pant scored an attractive 57.

Delhi skipper Gambhir didn't come out to bat as he attended the selection meeting when the match was on.

In fact, the bad blood between the two teams was evident as Delhi continued batting during mandatory overs knowing that match was dead as contest.

Bengal started the day at 47 for three, with Manoj in company of nightwatchman Aamir Gani (62) and the duo added 144 runs for 4th wicket.

The former India U-19 cricketer showed maturity beyond his age as his well compiled knock was a big reason for Bengal keeping their three points intact.

While Manoj faced 199 balls to hit 97 with 11 fours and a six, Gani consumed 142 balls hitting eight boundaries and a six. More importantly the gutsy youngster batted for three hours and quarter to shut Delhi out of competition.

The fate of the match was sealed when Manoj and Gani saw off the first hour during which Unmukt dropped Gani. However as his captain gave confidence, he started playing shots including cover drives and sweeps.

Manoj on the other hand took on left-arm spinner Manan Sharma completing his half-century with a huge six. However the loudest cheer from dressing room was reserved for Gani, who completed his 50 with a single.

Manoj looked good for his hundred as he played a deft late cut off pacer Sumit Narwal. It was another such shot off the bowler that wasn't executed well as Yogesh Nagar at slip jumped to catch the ball and Bengal declared their innings.

Brief Scores: 357 & 217/4 decl (Manoj Tiwary 97, Aamir Gani 62, Sumit Narwal 2/37)
Delhi 249 & (target 326) 161/4 (Rishabh Pant 57). Match drawn. Pts Delhi 1 Bengal 3.