Central Zone declared winners on better run rate

Having been declared winners on a better run rate in a rain affected match on Thursday, West Zone lost a match the same way on the second day of the Inter-Academy cricket tournament for the Col. Hemu Adhikari Trophy in Bangalore on Friday.

West Zone had got the better of North Zone in the group B match on the opening day. Today at the Central College grounds, Central Zone were declared winners on a better run rate.

Winning the toss, Central Zone were all out for 212 off 49.5 overs. The final total constituted a good recovery for Central Zone had lost five wickets for 86 runs. MV Surendra Singh (60) and wicketkeeper NV Ojha (28) initiated a rally by adding 50 runs for the sixth wicket off 10.3 overs. The momentum was maintained with Surendra Singh and Afroz Khan (12) putting on 48 runs for the seventh wicket from 6.4 overs. Surendra Singh who faced 68 balls and hit seven fours, was eighth out at 193 in the 47th over. KR Adhav was the most successful bowler with three for 46.

West Zone lost two wickets for 29 but their hopes were revived by a third wicket partnership of 56 runs between opener SO Kukreja (30) and RK Solanki (18). Thereafter however wickets fell at regular intervals and a valuable unbeaten 34 by VA Indulkar who hit three boundaries proved to be in vain. Central Zone conceded 35 extras but were still able to get two points as West Zone were reduced to 160 for nine off 43.3 overs. Rain halted the match at 4.21 pm and it was called off at 4.45 pm. SK Shulka who caused most of the damage late in the innings took three for 37 off ten overs.