Fueled by Mohammed Shami’s exceptional four-wicket haul and an unbeaten half-century from captain Abhimanyu Easwaran, Bengal transformed what seemed like a sluggish Ranji Trophy Group-C encounter on the final day, storming to a decisive eight-wicket victory over Uttarakhand at the iconic Eden Gardens on Saturday.
After commencing the day at a steady 165 for two, Uttarakhand’s second innings dramatically collapsed, finishing at 265 all out. This set Bengal a manageable target of 156 runs, which they comfortably chased down to earn a full six points.
Bengal’s Abhimanyu Easwaran, left, and Mohammed Shami celebrate after winning the Ranji Trophy match against Uttarakhand, at the Eden Gardens, in Kolkata, Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025. | Photo Credit: PTI
The script changed dramatically as Bengal’s bowlers, energized by the second new ball in the 82nd over, tore through Uttarakhand’s lineup, claiming five crucial wickets before lunch. Bhupen Lalwani, Shashwat Dangwal, and Jagadeesa Suchith were dismissed in quick succession across the 83rd, 84th, and 85th overs, with Ishan Porel securing two and Akash Deep adding one.
In a defiant counterattack, Yuvraj Choudhary (35 runs off 33 balls, including 6 fours and a six) and Abhay Negi (28 runs off 23 balls, with 5 fours) forged a rapid 64-run partnership off just 49 balls, giving Akash Deep some tough bowling treatment.
Bengal’s Mohammed Shami bowls during the fourth and last day of the Ranji Trophy match against Uttarakhand, at the Eden Gardens, in Kolkata, Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025. | Photo Credit: PTI
However, Mohammed Shami soon broke this burgeoning partnership by having Negi caught at third-man. Moments later, Suraj Jaiswal dismissed Yuvraj, who was caught in a spectacular effort by Akash Deep right on the straight boundary.
The post-lunch session was brief for Uttarakhand, as Mohammed Shami wasted no time, claiming two wickets in consecutive deliveries to wrap up their innings.
Bengal’s Ishan Porel celebrates after taking the wicket of Uttarakhand’s Jagadeesa Suchith during the fourth and last day of their Ranji Trophy match at the Eden Gardens, in Kolkata, Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025. | Photo Credit: PTI
Displaying clear positive intent, Bengal’s batsmen maintained an aggressive scoring rate of 5.32 runs per over, effectively piling pressure on their opponents. Skipper Abhimanyu Easwaran led from the front with a composed 71 not out (82 balls, 6 fours), skillfully cutting, driving, and flicking his way to runs while maintaining excellent running between the wickets. He built crucial partnerships, adding 51 runs with Sudip Chatterjee and a quickfire 76 with Sudip Gharami (46 runs off 47 balls, 5 fours, 1 six), perfectly setting the scene for Bengal’s triumphant Diwali celebration.
Reflecting on the performance, Bengal coach L.R. Shukla enthusiastically stated, “The sheer determination and fire in the boys propelled us to this magnificent win.”
The scores: Uttarakhand — 1st innings: 213.
Bengal — 1st innings: 323.
Uttarakhand — 2nd innings: Avneesh Sudha c Chatterjee b Akash 1, Prashant Chopra lbw b Bhati 82, Kunal Chandela lbw b Shami 72, Bhupen Lalwani c Abishek b Ishan 22, Shashwat Dangwal c Shami b Akash 6, Yuvraj Choudhary c Akash b Jaiswal 35, Jagadeesa Suchith b Majumdar b Ishan 1, Abhay Negi c Akash b Shami 28, Janmejay Joshi lbw b Shami 4, Devendra Bora (not out) 7, Rajan Chaudhary b Shami 0; Extras (b-1, lb-5, w-1): 7; Total (in 96.4 overs): 265.
Fall of wickets: 1-1, 2-147, 3-173, 4-188, 5-188, 6-189, 7-253, 8-253, 9-265.
Uttarakhand bowling: Shami 24.4-7-38-4, Akash 19-3-79-2, Ishan 17-3-63-2, Jaiswal 22-6-40-1, Bhati 14-1-39-1.
Bengal — 2nd innings: Sudip Chatterjee b Negi 16, Abhimanyu Easwaran (not out) 71, Sudip Gharami c Chopra b Rajan 46, Vishal Bhati (not out) 16; Extras: (lb-5, w-2): 7; Total (for two wickets in 29.3 overs): 156.
Fall of wickets: 1-51, 2-127.
Uttarakhand bowling: Bora 8-1-37-0, Rajan 5-0-20-1, Negi 5-1-31-1, Janmejay 4-0-24-0, Suchith 3.3-0-17-0, Avneesh 4-0-22-0.
Bengal won by eight wickets.