Shafiq flowers in captain Dahiya's company

Runs flowed like the Bramaputra in spate at the IIT Chemplast Ground in Chennai as Indian Airlines ran up a massive 502 for five in their first innings against Jolly Rovers Cricket Club in the MRF Buchi Babu Invitational Tournament. The total being helped along thanks to a double century by Shafiq Khan (205) and a captain's knock of 103 from Vijay Dahiya in a unfinished 225 runs stand in 48 overs for the sixth wicket.

Resuming at the overnight total of 242, Indian Airlines lost Ishan Ganda (22) in the 95th over. This brought in the captain Vijay Dahiya to the middle. Shafiq reached his century in no time, his second fifty coming in only 46 balls. Shafiq on 130, got a lucky reprieve when Sujit Somasundar dropped him at slips off Ganesh Kumar.

But with his skipper giving him company he settled down to graft a big innings. There was a distinct change of roles now as Dahiya took over the proceedings. Runs flowed as Dahiya took the toll on the spinners especially the left armer Ram Kumar and off spinner Ganeshkumar, the two going for 153 and 136 runs respectively. Shafiq took a special liking for Ram Kumar and lifted him over Mid Wicket fence thrice.

The post lunch session saw the two going for the runs and Shafiq completed his double century while facing his 265th ball. Dahiya was not far behind and thrashed his way to his century which included six hits to the fence and one clearing it.

Jolly Rovers came into bat facing a uphill task and started in right earnest. J Joseph and Somasundar had some easy pickings as Dodda Ganesh persistently pitched on their legs. But a bright start was up set soon as Vineet Jain trapped Joseph in front of the stumps with the score on 35. But Somasundar settled down and before long started playing his shots with consummate ease. Murali Karthik in particular found it tough to bowl to Somasundar as he conceded quite a few boundaries to the latter.

Jolly Rovers ended the second day at 136 for the loss of one wicket with Somasundar on 68 and S Badrinath on 40 promising to lift their jaded spirits.