Bengal ensured their berth in the Ranji Trophy final for the second time in three seasons after extending their overall lead to massive 547 runs against defending champions Madhya Pradesh on Saturday at Holkar Stadium in Indore. Even if this semifinal match ends in a draw on the fifth day on Sunday Bengal will progress to the final on the basis of a first-innings lead. Bengal lost to Madhya Pradesh in the final last year. 

At the end of the fourth day, Bengal was 279 at the loss of nine wickets in the second innings. First innings centurion Anushtup Majumder once again showed consistency with a splendid knock of 80. Pradipta Pramanik also was instrumental after Majumder, completing his maiden first-class half-century and remaining unbeaten 60 off 101 balls on the day. The final of the Ranji Trophy is scheduled to be held on 16th February. 

Brief Scores: Bengal 438 & 279/9 (A. Majumder 80, P. Pramanik 60 not out, Sudip Gharami 41, S. Jain (6/103) Vs Madhya Pradesh 170.

Bengal leads by 547 runs.