Tamil Nadu win MJ Gopalan Trophy

Tamil Nadu emerged worthy winners of the MJ Gopalan Trophy 2001 after they got better of Colombo Districts Cricket Association (CDCA) XI by virtue of their 199 runs first innings lead. On the fourth and final day of the match at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chepauk in Chennai, on Monday, play was called off after eight mandatory overs were bowled. CDCA XI had moved on to 206/4 in their second innings with Ian Daniel unbeaten on 77, giving him company was skipper Samaraweera on 4*.

Earlier in the day, resuming on 154/3, Tamil Nadu lost the enterprising Sridharan Sriram (81), he had added just two more runs to his overnight score. Sriram was caught well in the deep by Dinusha Fernando off the bowling of Samaraweera, looking for quick runs. After batting for eight overs in the morning, Tamil Nadu skipper Robin Singh declared the innings closed on 178/4, setting CDCA XI a target of 378 to win. Sharath (20*) and Arasu (6*) were at the crease at that stage.

CDCA XI were in for an early shock, Jehan Mubarak (7) nicked a ball from Balaji into the safe gloves of Arasu. The Tamil Nadu wicketkeeper is better known as 'Evander Hollyfield' for the striking semblance to the great boxing star.

Michael Vandort once again threatened to play a big knock but failed after making 28 runs off 37 balls with the help of four boundaries and a six. He was caught by Madanagopal off the bowling of Ashish Kapoor. Tillakaratne Dilshan continued in the same form he showed in the limited over matches, to score 56 runs off 83 balls. He fell to the left arm spin of Ramkumar.

Wishvanath Jaywardene made a slow 16 runs off 55 balls and along with Daniel, ensured that Tamil Nadu did not sneak in an outright win. MR Shrinivas who was generating good pace and bounce claimed the wicket of Jayawardene, caught by Balaji. By then both the teams had closed shop and the players went through the motions.

Winning the MJ Gopalan Trophy must have been a tonic to the Tamil Nadu team led by Robin Singh; they are to start their Ranji campaign very shortly. The highlight of the match was the bowling of the young fast bowler Balaji and the batting exploits of Sriram (100 and 81).