Bengal's remarkable milestone in Ranji trophy (Source: @cricanandha/x.com)
We often marvel at towering masterpieces, but the real power lies in the foundation. Without a strong foundation, nothing can stand tall or last long, whether it's in life, architecture, or even in sports.
Over the years, Indian cricket has climbed to the top with years of endless hard work, but the secret weapon behind the rapid rise has always been the Ranji Trophy. From its very first edition to the latest, this iconic tournament has produced unforgettable moments, legendary spells, and record-breaking performances that shaped the stars of tomorrow.
Amid countless milestones, Bengal’s extraordinary feat in 2022, all top nine batters smashing half-centuries against Jharkhand, still shines bright. Let’s explore the historic day.
Sayan Mondal’s fifty adds a rare spark to Bengal’s Ranji triumph
In the Ranji Trophy history, Bengal holds a special place with its brilliance. After lifting the prestigious trophy first time in the 1989-90 season, they had to wait long for their second trophy. In the 2019-20 season, they lifted their second one. While the trophy count may be just two, some of their milestones, like the unforgettable 2021-22 quarterfinal clash against Jharkhand, have become legendary, impossible to forget or break.
In that season, Bengal was in outstanding form and faced Jharkhand in the quarterfinal. While batting first, the Bengal batters were in tremendous form, and the opponent bowlers faced the heat. In the first three days, Bengal batted, and Jharkhand bowlers failed to restrict Bengal to a low score.
On day 3, the cricket world witnessed a dramatic day. Just after lunch, Sayan Mondal reached his half-century, marking a historic moment as Bengal became the first team to see all top-eight batters score fifties in a single innings.
That remarkable feat echoed Australia’s feat from 1893 when eight batters smashed a half-century score in an innings. But Bengal went one step further, achieving it with their top eight batters, creating a truly outstanding Ranji Trophy milestone that will be remembered for years.
Akash Deep's 50 makes it more special as Jharkhand bowlers crumble
If we say Bengal batters ruled the day, that would be an understatement, as the day belonged to them. While batting first, Abhishek Raman and Abhimanyu Easwaran came to open the innings, and Raman walked away on 61 runs. After that, the Bengal side showcased a remarkable turnaround.
After Easwaran walked away on 65, Sudip Kumar Gharami stitched a 243-run partnership with Anustup Majumdar. The duo scored hundreds, and Majumdar walked away on 117. After his dismissal, Gharami set his eyes on a deserving double ton, but heartbreakingly, his innings ended on 186 runs.
After that, Manoj Tiwary and Abhishek Porel’s partnership deepened Jharkhand bowlers’ struggle. Adding to this, Shahbaz Ahmed played a classic knock of 78 runs, and Sayan Mondal’s half-century added to the milestone in Bengal’s list.
But another destruction was yet to be added. Bengal fast bowler Akash Deep smashed a fiery half-century and played a knock of 53 runs in just 18 deliveries. That made the incident more special as for the first time top nine batters scored fifty in a first-class innings. His explosive innings helped Bengal pile up a mammoth 773 for seven, turning the match into a record-breaking spectacle.
The Ranji Trophy witnessed some of the iconic milestones, but this rare feat still stands tall. It wasn’t just a record; it was a symphony of timing, technique, and teamwork, etching Bengal’s innings into the annals of Ranji Trophy history.
