North Zone book semifinal berth

There were no surprise changes in the script on the final day and the Duleep Trophy quarterfinal between North Zone and South Zone meandered along its predestined course at Agartala on Sunday. Resuming their second innings at their overnight score of 77 for one, North Zone declared at 257 for eight in 80 overs, leaving South Zone the impossible task of getting 423 runs for victory in 37 overs. South Zone when stumps were finally drawn were 100 for one. On the basis of their first innings lead of 165 runs, North Zone qualified for the semifinal where they now meet holders Central Zone.

The North Zone second innings was marked by a fine 93 by skipper Vikram Rathour. He batted four hours, faced 176 balls and hit ten fours. With Rajiv Nayyar (28) he added 100 runs for the second wicket. Rathour was fourth out at 154. Then Chopra (26 not out)and Shakti Singh (37) added 53 runs for the seventh wicket. The South Zone bowling was chiefly in the hands of spinners Venkatpathi Raju and Aashish Kapoor, who each bowled 28 overs. While Kapoor had three for 124, the steadier Raju took five for 62.

In the South Zone second innings, which held little interest, A Nandakishore (51 not out) and S Mahesh (42) put on 93 runs for the first wicket in 25 overs.