Bengal crush Kerala by 287 runs: Shahbaz Ahmed and Pradipta Pramanik headline a dominant away win

Bengal continued their impressive start to the 2026–27 Ranji Trophy campaign with a commanding 287-run victory over Kerala in their Elite Group C encounter at the KCA Cricket Ground in Mangalapuram, Thiruvananthapuram, on Thursday, October 29.

The victory was significant for more than just the margin. Bengal had to recover from an uncertain opening day, build a competitive first-innings total and then defend a substantial lead on a surface where Kerala's experienced spin attack had already caused problems. Shahbaz Ahmed and Pradipta Pramanik emerged as the two biggest contributors, demonstrating the value of an all-round team performance in first-class cricket.

How did Bengal turn the match around?

Kerala won the toss and elected to field, putting Bengal into bat. The decision initially appeared to work in the hosts' favour as Bengal lost six wickets for 172 runs on the opening day.

Ankur Paul provided some resistance with an attacking 66 off 80 deliveries, while Sudip Kumar Gharami contributed 36. However, Kerala's Aditya Sarwate troubled the Bengal batting line-up with four wickets.

At that stage, Bengal needed someone to take responsibility and build an innings. Shahbaz Ahmed delivered precisely that.

Shahbaz scored 121 off 203 deliveries, including eight fours and four sixes. His innings, along with a crucial 103-run partnership with Sumanta Gupta, helped Bengal recover from 172/6 and reach 350 in 102.2 overs.

Sumanta contributed 49, while Pradipta Pramanik added 27. Shahbaz's century proved to be the defining contribution of Bengal's first innings.

Kerala's batting struggles give Bengal control

Bengal's bowlers ensured that the first-innings advantage was not wasted.

Kerala were bowled out for 141 in 51.3 overs, conceding a 209-run lead. Pradipta Pramanik claimed four wickets for 44 runs, while Mohammed Shami picked up three wickets. Shahbaz also contributed with two wickets.

Kerala's batting lacked the partnerships needed to challenge Bengal's total. Despite reaching 101/6 at the end of the second day, the hosts could add only 40 more runs before losing their remaining wickets.

With a substantial lead already secured, Bengal decided against enforcing the follow-on and batted again.

Their second innings ended at 198 in 46 overs. Captain Abhimanyu Easwaran scored 47, while Sudip Chatterjee made 34. Mohammed Shami contributed a useful 26 off just 19 deliveries, including three sixes.

Kerala's Jalaj Saxena was the most successful bowler in the innings, taking five wickets for 70 runs. Aditya Sarwate added three wickets.

Bengal's second-innings total gave Kerala a challenging target of 408 runs.

Pradipta Pramanik produces a match-winning performance

If Shahbaz had laid the foundation with the bat, Pradipta ensured Bengal completed the job with the ball.

Kerala's second innings began disastrously. Both openers, Abhishek J Nair and Abhishek P Nair, were dismissed for ducks off successive deliveries, leaving the hosts under immediate pressure.

Pradipta took advantage of the early setbacks and continued to trouble the Kerala batting line-up. He finished with six wickets for 51 runs, taking his match tally to 10 wickets for 95 runs.

It was his maiden 10-wicket haul in a first-class match, making the performance particularly memorable.

Mohammed Shami and Shahbaz Ahmed picked up two wickets each as Kerala were eventually dismissed for 120 in 38.4 overs on the fourth day.

M D Nidheesh top-scored with 33, while Mohammed Azharuddeen contributed 26. However, the lower order could not offer enough resistance to prevent a comprehensive defeat.

Bengal won by 287 runs, with Shahbaz Ahmed named Player of the Match for his all-round contribution of 141 runs and four wickets.

What does this victory mean for Bengal?

The result strengthens Bengal's position in Elite Group C and extends their winning run to three consecutive matches.

Before defeating Kerala, Bengal had beaten Delhi by nine wickets and Services by 60 runs. Their latest victory has taken them to the top of the group table with 18 points, six ahead of Maharashtra.

The performance also highlights an encouraging balance within the squad. Shahbaz provided the batting stability, Pradipta delivered with the ball, Shami contributed in both departments, and younger batter Ankur Paul showed his ability to score under pressure.

However, there is still room for improvement. Bengal's top order did not make the most of its opportunities in the first innings, and six wickets had fallen before Shahbaz's century and his partnership with Sumanta Gupta rescued the innings. The team will need greater consistency from its specialist batters against stronger bowling attacks.

Bengal's next challenge will come against Maharashtra at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, from November 2 to 5. Maintaining their winning momentum against a side currently second in the group will be an important test.

For Bengal, the Kerala victory is not merely another addition to the points column. It is a reminder that successful red-ball cricket requires contributions from across the dressing room. And in Thiruvananthapuram, Bengal found precisely that combination.