Sanjeev Sharma again shines with the bat

With Rajasthan opting for batting practice, their four day Central Zone Ranji Trophy match against Uttar Pradesh at Meerut ended in a tame draw on Monday.

Resuming their second innings at 154 for two, after gaining a first innings lead of 64 runs, Rajasthan batted the whole day and were 392 for six when stumps were finally drawn. Former Indian opening bowler Sanjeev Sharma, who is playing as a professional for Rajasthan this season continued his good form with the bat. Among the runs this season, Sharma who scored 78 not out in the first innings, remained unbeaten with 100 at close. Coming in at No 7, Sharma batted almost three hours, faced 164 balls and hit eleven of them to the ropes. With AM Dave (27) Sharma dominated an unbroken seventh wicket partnership of 143 runs from 40.2 overs. Earlier overnight not out batsmen A Mehra (46) and Kuldeep Singh (92) added 132 runs for the third wicket. Kuldeep batted a shade over four hours, faced 195 balls and hit eleven fours. Useful contributions also came from captain Krishnakumar (34) and S Bhatia (30).

On Sunday, opening bowlers Krishnakumar (4 for 32) and Shamser Singh (3 for 40) helped Rajasthan dismiss UP for 224 negating the gallant efforts of Md Saif (65) and opener Manoj Mudgal (74).