CALCUTTA (India): Bengal were in drivers seat in the Ranji Trophy semifinal against Karnataka by reducing the visitors to 98 for three on third day after setting them a stiff 352-run target on Monday.
Resuming the day at 72 for four, Bengal could manage just 161 but the massive 190-run first innings could prove crucial in the end.
“We’re ahead. The match is slightly in our favour, but it’s cricket and things can change. You can’t take anything for granted,” said Bengal coach and former India opener Arun Lal.
But Lal hailed Bengal’s bowlers and heaped praise on Ishan Porel, who took five wickets in Karnataka’s first innings.
The 21-year-old was at his lethal best on Monday when he caught India batsman KL Rahul plumb with a sharp inswinger.
Lal felt that the young pacer can trouble even India skipper Virat Kohli.
“He’s in great form at the moment. He’s bowling deliveries that can get big batsmen out, like a KL Rahul, or a Virat Kohli. He’s bowling that kind of bowling,” Lal told the media.
He also hailed the team’s positive attitude.
“It’s a fabulous team. The energy, intent and desire is there. Result is not in our hand. We don’t play for result. We just want to to play well,” added the 64-year-old. “He’s bowling it in that channel. You won’t see him bowling one outside leg stump. He’s testing you all the time.”
Lal went on to remember his 4/50 against Andhra in the league stage in which he dismissed another India player Hanuma Vihari for 23.
“He got Hanuma out with the delivery that rose up from length. I think he’s ready, to me he’s almost there,” he said.
Brief Scores:
Bengal 312 and 161; 54.4 overs (Sudip Chatterjee 45, Anustup Majumdar 41, Shahbaz Ahmed 31; Abhimanyu Mithun 4/23, Krishnappa Gowtham 3/15).
Karnataka 122 and 98/3; 38 overs (Devdutt Paddikkal 50 batting).
