Steady progress by Bengal

Bengal openers Deep Das Gupta and Arindam Das laid a solid foundation putting on 82 runs for the opening wicket as the team reached 206 for six on the opening day of the Ranji Trophy Elite Group 'A' match against Andhra at Visakhapatnam on Monday.

Electing to bat after winning the toss, the two openers toyed with the Andhra bowling and scored runs either side of the wicket.

Deep Das Gupta was out for 48 with nine boundaries, while Arindam Das made a solid 59 with six boundaries.

The middle order failed to capitalise on the good start given by the openers and wickets fell regularly as the visitors ended the day with 206 for 6.

Only Lakshmi Ratan Sukla stood ground and was unbeaten on 51 when stumps were drawn.

For Andhra, Mohammed Faiq and Venugopala Rao claimed two wickets apiece.

Brief scores: Bengal first innings: 206 for 6 in 90 overs (Arindam Das 59, Deep Das Gupta 48, Lakshmi Ratan Sukla 51, ) vs Andhra.