Mohammed Kaif Shines as Bengal Gains Edge in Ranji Trophy Match

Mohammed Kaif is still an important part of Bengal's team as they play Uttar Pradesh (UP) in the Ranji Trophy match at Kanpur's Green Park.

With three wickets taken so far in UP's second innings, Mohammed Shami's younger brother has shown his mettle with the ball after an all-around performance in the first innings. The home team scored 178/4 in their second essay at stumps on Day III, but their lead is now just 50 because of Kaif.

That makes sense given Kaif's performance on Sunday, which has given Bengal the advantage in this match. However, the remaining bowlers must also rise to the occasion and contribute to the wickets column on Monday, the last day of the match.

Any goal near 150 or above may put UP in a strong position, considering the weakness of Bengal's batting lineup and the kind of performance senior bowler Bhuvneshwar Kumar had put in with his 8/41 in the first innings. So, rather than giving Kaif all the work, it's critical that players like Ishan Porel, his junior speed teammate and rookie Suraj Sindhu Jaiswal, and off-spinner Pradipta Pramanik strike as well.

In addition, Nitish Rana, the captain of Uttar Pradesh, is still at the wicket, scoring 47 runs (from 43 balls) with a strike rate of 109.30. Rana, who entered the game at number three, has been reliable from the start and has tried to press the opposition's bowlers.

As long as the left-hander is at the wicket, the Bengal bowlers will be under strain because of his potential to turn the tide in favour of UP with his fast runs. Before Rana causes any significant harm, Bengal must eliminate him early in Monday's opening session.

UP 60 & 178/4, in brief (M. Kaif 3/72, S. Singh 54, N. Rana 47 batting). Bengal 188. Day III at stumps.

domestic setback for Saurashtra

Rajkot: On Sunday, Haryana defeated Saurashtra, the reigning champions, in their own backyard with a low-scoring Ranji Trophy match that ended in a four-wicket victory.

Day III began with Saurashtra at 148/6. With the assistance of captain Jaydev Unadkat (23) and Parth Bhut (47), they extended their second innings to 220 all out, setting a target of 166 runs for Haryana.

After losing three wickets in a row, Haryana did have some nervous moments, but they were able to win the last session. Ashok Menaria led the chase with 58 runs without out.

When they were bowled out for 145 on the first day of play, Saurashtra let the game to get away from them. 200 was Haryana's first-inning total.

In a different match, Mumbai was on the verge of a significant victory against Andhra thanks to left-arm spinner Shams Mulani's nine wicket haul.

Mulani helped Mumbai dismiss Andhra for 184 in 72 overs after taking an amazing 6/65 wickets in the first innings. Andhra, forced to bat once again, finished at 164/5 with Mulani getting 3/63. Andhra is still 47 runs behind.

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