After three meandering days of run riot, Bengal’s Ranji Trophy match against Saurashtra is all set for a finish that could either be thrilling or that could end up into an embarrassing dampener.

Responding to Saurashtra’s 650 on a featherbed Eden Gardens wicket, hosts Bengal batted well, riding thumping, unbeaten centuries from skipper Manoj Tiwary (102) and opener Arindam Das (136).

Bengal finished on 319 for 2 after Day III of the Ranji Trophy Super League match, staying in the hunt for the all-important first innings lead, even as Saurashtra are equally within reach of the three vital points in a match that is in equilibrium ahead of the last day.

While Day IV promises some gripping action as both teams will step on the gas and try to go for the lead, there’s a catch. If the first innings remains unfinished after the end of the match, then both teams won’t get a single point. The peculiar BCCI rule leaves Saurashtra and Bengal with equal incentive of going for a ‘result’ — which in this case is the decisive first innings lead.

Bengal now need 332 to take first innings lead off 90 overs with eight wickets in their kitty. Going by the way Tiwary and Das batted today, Roger Binny’s boys can jolly well fancy their chances against a bowling attack that looks least impressive.

Starting on from their overnight score of 27 for 1, Bengal survived the early overs, saw Deep Dasgupta (61) get cleaned up by Ravindra Jadeja, and began steadily clawing their way back in the match through Tiwary’s assertive strokeplay and Das’ crafty innings.

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