Jammu, Jan 1 : Bengal delivered a clinical performance to crush Jammu and Kashmir by nine wickets in a Vijay Hazare Trophy match at Sanosara Cricket Ground, Rajkot. The dominant victory showcased Bengal’s lethal bowling attack and assured batting in a one-sided low-scoring contest.
Opting to bowl first, Bengal’s pace spearheads Mukesh Kumar and Akash Deep ripped through the J&K batting order with devastating effect. Mukesh claimed 4 wickets for just 16 runs, while Akash Deep picked up 4 for 32, dismantling the middle and lower order. Mohammed Shami provided excellent support with 2 for 14, as J&K collapsed to a meager 63 all out in 20.4 overs.
Only captain Paras Dogra (19) and Shubham Khajuria (12) reached double figures, while three batters failed to get off the mark. The J&K innings never gained momentum against Bengal’s relentless bowling attack.
Chasing the modest target, Bengal made short work of the run chase, reaching 66/1 in just 9.3 overs. Abhishek Porel (30 not out) and Sudip Kumar Gharami (25 not out) anchored the innings with composed batting, guiding their team to a comprehensive victory. Auqib Nabi Dar (1/21) was the lone bowler to provide any resistance for J&K.
The emphatic win marked Bengal’s third victory of the tournament, propelling them to second position in the points table.
J&K: 63 all out in 20.4 overs (P Dogra 19; Mukesh Kumar 4/16, Akash Deep 4/32, Mohammed Shami 2/14)
Bengal: 66/1 in 9.3 overs (Abhishek Porel 30 not out, Sudip Kumar Gharami 25 not out; Auqib Nabi Dar 1/21)
