Ranji Trophy 2022/23 : Bengal and Karnataka in a commanding position to reach the finals!

The semi-final phases of India’s finest first-class cricket tournament, the 2022-23 Ranji Trophy, have begun, with eight teams contending for the ultimate prize. This tournament, which has been organised since 1934, is one of the most important and historic in India.

Bombay, or modern-day Mumbai, won the initial tournament and has the most Ranji trophies in tournament history. This year, 38 teams were divided into five categories: Elite A, B, C, D, and Plate. Only eight teams left after weeks of warfare, with four advancing to the next round.

Akash Deep's brilliant five-wicket haul helped Bengal restrict Madhya Pradesh to 170 & move to 59/2, stretching their lead to 327 runs at the end of Day 3 of the #RanjiTrophy #SF1 👍 👍 #MPvBEN @mastercardindia

Here's how the action unfolded 🎥 🔽https://t.co/SehJek21DD pic.twitter.com/g3odyLsMPQ

— BCCI Domestic (@BCCIdomestic) February 10, 2023

Bengal, Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka and Saurashtra are the 4 teams that have reached the SF stages. Both the games have reached day 3 and in the next 2 days, we will get out finalists for the 88th edition of Ranji Trophy.

Talking about the first semi-final between Bengal and Madhya Pradesh, the former team had given a trail of 438 runs but MP could only manage to amass 170 runs in their 1st innings. Bengal’s 2nd innings, however, did not get off to a very good start.

The openers were sent back to the dressing room and both of them could not get pass a 20-run mark either. Though they are still in good command as they are leading by 327 runs.

As for Karnataka and Saurashtra, the match has only reached the 2nd innings. Karnataka gave a trail of 407 runs and Saurashtra are still trailing by 43 runs thanks to centuries from Sheldon Jackson and captain Arpit Vasavada. But they still have a long way to go on Day 4.