Pink ball does exceedingly well on India debut

History was made on the 18th of June 2016 at the Eden Gardens as the Pink Ball was used for the first time in a cricket match on Indian soil. Having been constantly calling for the use of the pink ball since its inception into cricket, Cricket Association of Bengal president and former India captain Sourav Ganguly wore a smile on his face as he watched the proceedings unfold at the iconic Eden Gardens.

The historic event was consummated in the CAB Super League final where Mohun Bagan AC took on Bhowanipore. Batting first, the ball did the talking with swing and bounce playing a major part in proceedings. Unable to play the conditions, Bagan were thrust into a sticky situation when the top order collapsed to the pace and swing of Bhowanipore pace duo Ravikant Singh and Geet Puri. The duo reduced Mohun Bagan to 52/4 in the second session before Indian wicket-keeping batsman Wriddhiman Saha added some stability with a caution filled innings.

Saha scored 34 off 78 deliveries before Anustup Mazumdar began to play the new conditions with the confidence he had shown earlier. He smashed a valiant 83 of 132 deliveries before losing his wicket to a run-out. Anustup’s innings was cut short by an unfortunate run out, but Sanjib Sanyal (53* off 79 balls) and Mohammed Shami (36 off 36 balls) capitalized on the tired Bhowanipore bowling attack to form a short but effective 8th wicket partnership late in the evening. Bhowanipore were dealt with a massive problem when Geet Puri was withdrawn from action courtesy of an ankle injury.

Mohammad Shami found himself in a soup after sporting his helmet with the BCCI logo. However, it was the pink ball that eventually made the headlines.

Brief Scores

Mohun Bagan 278/8 in 85.3 overs (Anustup 83; Ravikant 3/46)

Eden Garden decorated with Green & Maroon today. #pinkball #MBvsBHW pic.twitter.com/V8bLaQVS6F

— Mohun Bagan A.C. (@MohunBagan) June 18, 2016