Jaffer, Mongia continue fine form against North Zone

Wasim Jaffer and Nayan Mongia, continuing their fine form in the Duleep Trophy tournament, hammered 78 and 76 respectively during the first day of West Zone's match against North Zone at Pune.

Winning the toss, West Zone skipper Hrishikesh Kanitkar decided to bat first. His side suffered an early setback when Ashish Nehra took out Connor Williams. But Kanitkar and Jaffer then added exactly 50 runs before the former fell, caught behind for 11.

Altaf Merchant, the next man in, failed to open his account, and at 68 for three, North Zone seemed to have the upper hand. But Vinod Kambli proceeded to play in his inimitable way, striking seven fours in his 33 off 52 and adding 70 runs for the fourth wicket with Jaffer.

Both Jaffer and Kamble fell with the score on 138; Jaffer was the first to go, bowled by Nehra for a well-made 78 off 104 balls. His knock featured 13 hits to the fence and provided a good foundation for West.

Mongia and Ajit Bhoite then came to the party. Mongia was in a surprisingly aggressive mood, hitting 14 fours and a towering six in his 76 off 130 balls. Bhoite played second fiddle admirably, making 36 off 86 balls with five fours and a six.

Bhoite fell with the score on 215, but that only paved the way for Sairaj Bahutule to use the long handle to good effect. Runs flowed for West Zone as Bahutule struck 12 fours and a six in making 66 off 88 balls. Skipper Mithun Manhas, who dismissed Bhoite, managed some little cheer for North by also getting rid of Mongia and Ramesh Powar.

At the close of play, West were well-placed on 334 for eight, with Bahutule still at the crease on 66. He was accompanied by Irfan Pathan on seven. For North Zone, Manhas the most successful bowler, taking 3-19 off 12 overs.