Kambli slams 154 in West's big total

Displaying commanding form, former India left hander Vinod Kambli cracked 154 as West Zone piled up runs on the second day of their Duleep Trophy semifinal against East Zone at Calcutta on Friday. Resuming at 254 for two, they ended the day at 544 for seven off 181 overs.

Kambli was in irresistable form as he hit 23 fours and a six in a stay of four hours. West Zone lost yesterday's century maker Williams early. The left hander added just two runs to his overnight score of 105. His dismissal brought Kambli to the crease and he and skipper Amol Mujumdar proceeded to ground the East Zone attack into the dust with a fourth wicket partnership of 189 in 51.2 overs. Finally at 450, Mujumdar was caught by Das off Zaman for 90. He faced 223 balls and had 12 hits to the fence.

Kambli who dominated this stand was also the dominant partner in the sixth wicket partnership of 51 runs off 16.4 overs with PH Patel (13). Shortly afterwards, Kambli was caught by Satpathy off Chatterjee. The 27-year-old Kambli who had come in at 261 for three in the 95th over, was sixth out at 510 in the 169th over. Chatterjee who dismissed both Patel and Kambli now struck again when he had Mhambrey caught by Das for nine. IR Siddiqui (18) and BN Mehta (6) were batting at draw of stumps. Among the bowlers, skipper and left arm spinner U Chatterjee was the most successful taking four for 128 from 53 overs. Medium pacer Zaman took the remaining three wickets for 125.