Delhi Cricket Team vs Bengal Cricket Team Match Scorecard: Ranji Trophy 2020

The Ranji Trophy Elite Group A clash between Bengal and Delhi at Eden Gardens from January 27 to 30, 2020, turned into an engaging four-day battle filled with momentum shifts and disciplined cricket. Both teams displayed patience and skill as they adapted to the conditions offered by the Eden Gardens pitch, which provided moderate assistance to bowlers early on but gradually eased out for batting. The match drew significant attention as Bengal entered the contest with a solid domestic season behind them, while Delhi aimed to climb up the points table with a strong first-class performance. From the outset, the fixture promised intensity, and it did not disappoint, producing a mixture of gritty knocks, tight bowling spells, and tactical captaincy.

Delhi began the match on the front foot by winning the toss and electing to field first. Their bowlers made early inroads, but Bengal held their ground remarkably well, showcasing their depth and resilience through the middle order. Despite losing wickets at intervals, Bengal maintained control by building valuable partnerships, which steadily pushed their score forward. The innings was anchored with maturity, resulting in a competitive total of 318 runs, putting Delhi under pressure right from the start. The decision to field first gave Delhi opportunities, but Bengal capitalized on the conditions better, setting a strong foundation for the remainder of the match.

The standout performer of the innings and ultimately the match was Anustup Majumdar, whose remarkable knock of 99 runs became the turning point for Bengal. His innings was a blend of calm temperament, technical precision, and intelligent shot selection, helping his team recover during crucial moments. Falling just one run short of a century, Majumdar’s effort still earned him the Player of the Match award, highlighting his pivotal role in shaping the contest. His performance not only lifted Bengal to a solid total but also set the tone for the rest of the match, which eventually ended in a draw after Delhi’s steady response in their first innings.

Despite several interruptions caused by slow over rates and challenging batting conditions, both Bengal and Delhi displayed remarkable discipline throughout the match. Bengal’s bowlers led the effort with consistent accuracy and controlled spells. Mukesh Kumar delivered a standout performance with 3 crucial wickets, applying pressure at key moments, while debutant Nilkantha Das impressed with 2 wickets, showcasing composure well beyond his experience. Their combined efforts kept Delhi’s scoring rate in check and ensured Bengal remained competitive despite the difficulties brought on by the pitch and the match’s slow rhythm.

Delhi’s response, however, was steady and resilient. Dhruv Shorey played a vital knock of 65, anchoring the innings with patience and solid technique, while Jonty Sidhu remained unbeaten on 53, guiding his team safely through tough passages of play. Their partnership played a crucial role in preventing a collapse and helped Delhi avoid defeat as the match progressed into the final day. In the end, both teams walked away with one point each, a fair reflection of how evenly balanced the contest was over the four days of hard-fought cricket.

Bengal First Innings: Delhi Cricket Team vs Bengal Cricket Team Match Scorecard

Bengal’s first innings total of 318 runs in 98.4 overs was a result of discipline, resilience, and well-timed partnerships. The innings began steadily, with opener Koushik Ghosh anchoring the early phase through a patient and valuable 46 off 122 balls. His calm approach allowed Bengal to settle after early pressure from the Delhi bowlers. The momentum shifted further when Anustup Majumdar walked in and played the standout knock of the innings. His brilliant 99 off 189 deliveries, laced with 15 boundaries, showcased exceptional temperament and control on a pitch that demanded focus. Majumdar held the middle order together, guiding the team through crucial sessions and ensuring that Bengal stayed ahead in the contest.

Supporting contributions from the lower middle order added significant depth to the innings. Wicketkeeper-batsman Shreevats Goswami scored a fluent 59, providing much-needed acceleration with his confident stroke play. Soon after, Shahbaz Ahmed chipped in with an important 46, helping Bengal push towards a competitive total. Each partnership played a vital role in building the scoreboard and frustrating Delhi’s efforts to break through consistently. By the time Bengal were bowled out for 318, they had already laid a strong foundation that put them in a commanding position early in the match.

Below is the full batting scorecard:

The Delhi bowlers worked tirelessly throughout Bengal’s first innings, maintaining pressure with disciplined lines and lengths. Simarjeet Singh stood out as the most effective bowler, claiming 4 for 77 with sharp movement and consistent accuracy. Vikas Mishra also played a major role, taking 3 for 78 and troubling the batsmen with his control and variation. Their combined efforts helped Delhi restrict Bengal during crucial phases, especially after early breakthroughs created momentum for their bowling attack.

Despite these challenges, Bengal’s batting lineup displayed remarkable grit and determination. The middle order held firm after early setbacks, stitching together partnerships that lifted the team to a competitive total. Their ability to adapt to the pitch conditions offering moderate assistance to both seamers and spinners was crucial in building a strong platform. By the end of the innings, Bengal’s total had put meaningful pressure on Delhi and set the foundation for a well-contested match.

Delhi First Innings: Delhi Cricket Team vs Bengal Cricket Team Match Scorecard

Delhi responded with 242/7 in 82 overs, showing remarkable resilience after early setbacks. Their openers struggled against Bengal’s disciplined bowling attack, losing wickets quickly and finding it difficult to build momentum. However, the middle order stepped up, absorbing pressure and steadily rebuilding the innings. Dhruv Shorey played a crucial role with a composed 65 runs, showcasing excellent temperament and smart shot selection during challenging phases of play.

Alongside him, Jonty Sidhu’s unbeaten 53 added stability and ensured Delhi stayed in the contest. Sidhu rotated the strike efficiently, kept the scoreboard moving, and protected the lower order from further damage. Hiten Dalal also contributed a valuable 40, giving Delhi early momentum despite wickets falling at the other end. Their combined efforts ensured Delhi avoided defeat and ended the match on a strong note, closing the innings safely at 242/7.

Here is the complete Delhi batting scorecard:

Bengal’s bowlers showed impressive control throughout the match, with Mukesh Kumar leading the attack through his disciplined spell of 3/75. Nilkantha Das, playing his debut first-class match, displayed maturity by picking up 2/37, while Shahbaz Ahmed added further pressure with his economical 2/30. Their combined efforts kept Delhi from scoring freely and created regular breakthroughs, putting Bengal in a strong position for most of the innings. The consistent line and length from the Bengal attack ensured that Delhi’s batsmen were never fully comfortable at the crease.

However, Delhi’s lower middle order showed remarkable fight and played a key role in preventing a Bengal victory. Jonty Sidhu’s unbeaten 53 held the innings together, while Suboth Bhati’s steady support frustrated Bengal’s push for a result. Their determined partnership consumed valuable time and slowly pushed the game toward a stalemate. As overs ran out on the final day and Delhi remained seven wickets down, the match inevitably drifted into a draw, leaving both teams to walk away with one point each.

Bowling Analysis Match Summary: Delhi Cricket Team vs Bengal Cricket Team Match Scorecard

Both sides delivered disciplined bowling performances across the four days, with seamers and spinners contributing crucial breakthroughs that kept the match finely balanced. Bengal’s bowlers showed excellent control despite long spells, maintaining pressure through consistent line and length. Mukesh Kumar stood out as the most impactful bowler for Bengal, using his accuracy and subtle movement to remove key Delhi batters. Debutant Nilkantha Das also impressed early on, striking twice with disciplined swing bowling and showing great promise in his maiden first-class outing. Their combined efforts ensured that Delhi never fully gained momentum in their innings.

For Delhi, Simarjeet Singh led the attack with an impressive four-wicket haul, proving to be the most threatening bowler for Bengal’s batting lineup. His ability to generate bounce and extract movement off the surface troubled several batters, especially during the middle phases of the innings. Vikas Mishra supported him well with crucial breakthroughs that kept Bengal from accelerating further. The Delhi bowling unit worked hard throughout the innings, using smart variations and maintaining good field placements. Overall, both teams showcased strong bowling depth, contributing to a competitive match that eventually ended in a draw.Bowling figures from the match:

The match concluded with both Bengal and Delhi earning one point each, reflecting how evenly balanced the contest remained across the four days. Bengal maintained strong control with the bat, building a solid first-innings total of 318 thanks to disciplined partnerships and patient batting. Their top and middle order showed maturity, handling the Delhi bowling attack effectively and setting the tone early in the game. Despite regular breakthroughs from Delhi’s bowlers, Bengal kept the scoreboard moving and ensured they held the upper hand for most of the match.

Delhi’s response showcased grit and determination, especially in the later stages of their innings. Their lower middle-order resistance allowed them to avoid a collapse and secure the draw. The standout performer of the match was undoubtedly Anustup Majumdar, whose exceptional knock of 99 was one of his finest first-class innings. His controlled stroke play, temperament under pressure, and ability to build partnerships highlighted his crucial role in Bengal’s middle order. His performance not only shaped Bengal’s innings but also ensured they stayed competitive throughout the match.