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Ranji Trophy 2017-18 semi-finals: Venues named for Bengal-Delhi, Karnataka-Vidarbha clashes

Karnataka will start the semi-finals round as favourties, having won the championship twice since the 2012-13 edition.

Will Manoj Tiwary (L) led Bengal face tournament favourites Karantaka in the final? © AFP, PTI
Will Manoj Tiwary (L) led Bengal face tournament favourites Karantaka in the final? © AFP, PTI

Ranji Trophy 2017-18 has reached the semi-final stage. While Karnataka, Vidarbha and Delhi made it by virtue of outright results, Bengal edged past defending champions Gujarat on the basis of first-innings lead. Though BCCI have not issued an official statement regarding the semi-final venues, Bengal and Delhi will supposedly lock horns at Pune. On the other hand, Karnataka will face Vidarbha at Eden Gardens, Kolkata.

Talk in the town

Vidarbha skipper Faiz Fazal told Sportstar“We will be reaching Kolkata on December 14 for our semi-final against Karnataka. We are looking forward to the challenge.” Meanwhile, one of the top officials from Cricket Association of Bengal stated: “The preparation has begun and we will ensure that the cricket fans enjoy a good contest.”

Favourites?

Karnataka have won the championship twice since 2013-14. Given the manner in which they dominated Mumbai, they are itching to lift their third title in five seasons. Bengal had won the Ranji Trophy last in 1989-90, whereas Delhi’s last title victory came in 2007-08. Vidarbha, projected as the dark horse, are yet to win the tournament.

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