Skipper Manoj Tiwary silenced his critics by smashing an unbeaten double century before Bengal declared their innings at a mammoth 510-9 against Madhya Pradesh in a Ranji Trophy Elite Group 'B' match at Eden Gardens yesterday. Resuming at overnight score of 246-4, Bengal plundered a further 264 runs with Tiwary (201 not out) completing his fifth first-class double century on the eve of his 33rd birthday. Madhya Pradesh bowlers had a tough outing despite a five-wicket haul by young Shubham Sharma (5-59). At stumps, Madhya Pradesh were 15-0.

For Tiwary, the build-up to the Ranji season was full of drama after the Sourav Ganguly-led Cricket Association of Bengal gave him an 'ultimatum' naming him skipper for first two matches. Tiwary decided to step down after Bengal's Ranji Trophy opener in Himachal Pradesh but changed his mind after scoring a first innings half-century. Tiwary played with dogged determination to complete his century in 166 balls. An aggressive celebration followed with Tiwary pointing his bat towards the club house. The bat was also special for him as he had his four-month-old son Yuvaan's name embossed on it.