Pistons rout Andhra by 112 runs

India Pistons experienced little difficulty in romping to a 112-run victory over Andhra Cricket Association at the NFC ground in group B. Batting first, India Pistons scored 206 for nine in 50 overs. Skipper Vikram Rathour (29) and Anand George (15) put on 44 runs for the opening wicket off 11.3 overs.

Two partnerships in the middle order bolstered the India Pistons total. First, JR Madanagopal (49) and R Satish Kumar (24) added 43 runs for the fifth wicket off 12 overs. Then Madanagopal and Shahabuddin (24) put on 36 runs for the seventh wicket off 5.1 overs. Madanagopal, who was run out for 49, faced 66 balls. N Madhukar, with 3 for 36, was the most successful bowler.

In reply, ACA started badly, losing wickets at regular intervals and were never in with a chance of reaching their target. Medium pacer K Shahabuddin struck both at the beginning of the innings and towards the end to finish with 3 for 23. Leg spinner WD Balaji Rao and left arm spinner Muthu Pandi captured two wickets each as ACA were shot out for 94 in 43.2 overs.