Nightwatchman Suraj Jaiswal’s superb maiden century put Bengal in a strong position against Punjab on the second day of the Ranji Trophy Elite Group C match at the Eden Gardens here on Friday.

Resuming from 119 for four, Bengal rode on Jaiswal’s hundred (111, 185b, 14×4, 4×6) to score 343 in its first innings and secure a sizable 152-run lead.

At Stumps, Punjab struggled at 64 for three in its second innings.

In the morning, Punjab’s seamers, including Gurnoor Brar and Sahil Khan, bowled well to ask questions regularly.

Bengal’s overnight pair of Sumanta Gupta (55, 69b, 7×4, 1×6) and Jaiswal, who took four wickets on Day 1, showed good intent to form a 43-run association. Sumanta got his first fifty before falling to a widish delivery off Gurnoor.

RELATED: Former India wicketkeeper Wriddhiman Saha receives guard of honour in farewell match during Ranji Trophy

Jaiswal, who was dropped twice, showed character to hold one end. He joined hands with Abishek Porel (52, 53b, 9×4) for an important 72-run partnership, during which Bengal surpassed Punjab’s total in the 22nd over of the day.

Abishek lived up to his reputation, displaying his crispy drives, especially a few straight ones down the ground, in his quick half-century. He departed after edging Sahil to gully.

In his final outing, Wriddhiman Saha was given a guard of honour by members of both sides.

Wriddhiman Saha being accorded a guard of honour as he arrives to bat during the Ranji Trophy match at Eden Gardens in Kolkata.
| Photo Credit:
PTI

He could not open his account as wicketkeeper Anmol Malhotra took a diving catch off Gurnoor’s bowling.

Jaiswal, who was on 38 at Lunch, mixed cautiousness with aggression as he gathered runs at a faster pace in the middle session while leading the lower order batters’ resistance, which included his handy stands worth 44 and 63 with Vishal Bhati and Mohammed Kaif.

With the field spread on the onside, Jaiswal pulled Punjab captain Mayank Markande for three massive sixes in four balls to reach his hundred. He top-edged Sahil to be caught behind.