Gandhi puts Bengal in command

A Devang Gandhi hundred saw Bengal secure the vital first innings lead in their match against Rajasthan at the KL Saini Ground, Jaipur. Gandhi's 146 and an unbeaten 99 from No. 5 Subhomoy Das was responsible for guiding Bengal, who resumed at 122 for 2, to the comfort zone of 409 for six.

The morning's play saw Gandhi and his captain Rohan Gavaskar, the overnight not out batsmen, make a slow yet steady beginning. The two put on 108 runs for the third wicket before Gavaskar was dismissed. Das and Gandhi then got together in what was to prove the brightest partnership of the day. The two were only together for 23 overs but in that period added another 108 runs before Gandhi departed. Bengal lost a further wicket but with Das looking good on 99 and a fair bit of batting to come, Bengald would be setting their sights on a massive first-innings score which would pave their way towards securing an outright win.