Indore: Maharashtra took a firm grip over Bengal in the Ranji Trophy semi-final thanks to middle-order batsman Sangram Atitkar’s unbeaten 168 on Day Two here yesterday.

Maharashtra took a mammoth first innings lead to set sights on an innings victory at stumps. After bowling Bengal out for a paltry 114, the Bengal bowlers further disappointed their fans as Maharashtra scored an imposing 455 in their first innings.

After taking a massive 341-run lead, Maharashtra bowlers came out all guns blazing and reduced Bengal to 16 for one at the end of the day’s play.

Bengal need another 326 runs to avoid an innings defeat. The Maharashtra batsmen showed a lot of intent as they took apart the Bengal bowling. Atitkar, who smashed 29 fours, joined forces with Ankit Bawne (89) as the duo added 113 runs for the sixth wicket.