North defeat West in high scoring game

In another high scoring match at Rajkot, North Zone defeated West Zone by 29 runs. North Zone led off with 312 for eight in 50 overs with Ajay Jadeja hitting a sparkling 91 off 90 balls with ten fours. A splendid century by Vinod Kambli went in vain as West Zone despite a gallant effort, were restricted to 283 for nine in 50 overs.

North Zone, opting to bat first, lost Ashu Dani early. But skipper Vikram Rathour and Jadeja steadied the innings by adding 57 runs for the second wicket off 10.5 overs. The momentum was maintained with Jadeja and Pankaj Dharmani slamming 98 runs off 17.1 overs for the third wicket. After Jadeja's deaparture, Dharmani and Virendra Sehwag then flogged the West Zone bowling to put on a further 94 runs for the fourth wicket off 10.5 overs. While Dharmani hit 70 off 94 balls with five fours, Sehwag cracked 66 off just 39 balls with seven hits to the ropes.

West Zone started their reply in a dazzling manner with openers Wasim Jaffer (21) and Sitanshu Kotak (28) putting on 34 runs off 4.4 overs. Kambli now entered and took charge, dominating a second wicket stand of 81 runs off 18 overs with Kotak. After Kotak's departure, Kambli and Amol Muzumdar (42) maintained the momentum by adding 83 runs off 15.5 overs for the third wicket. At 198 for two in the 39th over, West Zone had a winning chance. But the run outs of Kambli and Muzumdar in successive overs saw their hopes dashed. Both run outs were effected by Jadeja. Kambli's 106 was made off 131 balls and he hit 13 fours. The remaining batsmen, with the exception of skipper Nayan Mongia (29 not out) could not contribute much and West Zone were restricted to 283 for nine in 50 overs. Robin Singh was the most successful bowler with three for 53.