The opening round of the Ranji Trophy 2026-27, which got underway on the 11th, drew to a close on the fourth and final day with decisive results across multiple venues. While Hyderabad had already become the first team to register a victory by wrapping up their fixture on day three, the final day witnessed commanding performances from Bengal, Gujarat, and Haryana as they successfully sealed victories in their respective group matches.
Group C: Bengal Secures Nine-Wicket Triumph Over Delhi
Bengal launched their campaign in Group C on a commanding note by overpowering Delhi by nine wickets on the fourth day. Resuming their second innings from an overnight total of 101 for three, Delhi struggled to build substantial partnerships and were eventually bundled out for 277 in 106.2 overs. Delhi captain Ayush Badoni led from the front with a resilient knock, scoring 85 runs off 134 deliveries laced with ten boundaries, while wicketkeeper batter Anuj Rawat contributed 39 runs from 76 balls.
Delhi had earlier posted 240 runs in their first essay, to which Bengal responded with a formidable total of 429, establishing a commanding upper hand. Set a modest target of 89 runs to win in the final innings, Bengal executed the chase with clinical precision, knocking off the required runs in just 15.3 overs with the loss of only one wicket to pocket full points.
Dominant Gujarat Sweeps Aside Odisha by 10 Wickets
In another one-sided Group C clash, Gujarat produced an all-round masterclass to crush Odisha by ten wickets, securing a bonus point to walk away with seven points. Left-arm spinner Siddharth Desai proved to be the wrecker-in-chief, returning figures of five wickets for 36 runs. Odisha, who began the morning at 119 for four, collapsed under sustained pressure and were bowled out for 161 in their second innings, despite Sandeep Pattnaik scoring 65 and Ninad Rathva contributing 53.
Left-arm pacer Arzan Nagwaswalla provided stellar support by finishing with a total match haul of six wickets, including three wickets for 33 runs in the second innings. Needing just 47 runs for an outright victory, Gujarat's openers knocked off the runs in 9.3 overs without losing a single wicket, capping off an utterly dominant performance from start to finish.
Group D: Haryana Weathers Early Collapse to Defeat Himachal Pradesh
At the Bansi Lal Cricket Stadium, Haryana prevailed over Himachal Pradesh by seven wickets in their Group D encounter. Himachal Pradesh had registered 253 runs in their first innings, while Haryana replied with 296, claiming a critical first-innings lead of 43 runs. Setting out to chase a seemingly straightforward target of 71 runs on the final day, Haryana experienced early turbulence.
The chase began precariously as Haryana found themselves in deep trouble at 26 for three after a rapid top-order wobble. However, Himanshu Rana and Dheeru Singh displayed immense composure to absorb the pressure. Himanshu Rana remained unbeaten on 37 while Dheeru Singh supported with an unbeaten 24, steering the side across the finish line in 18.1 overs to confirm a hard-fought seven-wicket win.
