Time runs out to help Maharashtra settle for a draw

The prospect of an interesting finish diminished as the West Zone Cooch Behar Trophy match involving Maharashtra and Gujarat at the Nehru Stadium in Pune fizzled out into a draw on the third and final day on Saturday.

Needing 109 for a win with only 11 overs left in the day, Maharashtra made a disastrous start when they lost opener AY Shaik off the very first ball. Then Awate (20) and AP Thakur (19) took the score on to 38, when Awate was bowled by SK Trivedi. Nine runs later Trivedi had AS Bhosale (4) in much the similar manner. Then disaster struck Maharashtra as two batsmen ran themselves out before stumps were drawn with the hosts (67 for 6) heaving a sigh of relief.

Earlier, on the opening day, Gujarat opted to bat and were reduced to 178 thanks to useful knocks from PA Patil (34), BD Thaker (30), RR Patel (28) and SB Patel (23). Adhav (4 for 29) was the most successful bowler for Maharashtra. In reply, Maharashtra took a 104 run lead thanks to a 102 run eighth wicket stand between YV Takawala (53) and KR Adhav (50 not out).

Gujarat, in their second innings scored 212 runs aided by a fine 78 by wicketkeeper PA Patil. Patil was involved in a 64 run third wicket stand with SB Patil (35). Then RR Patil (33) joined PA Patil and forged a 50 run seventh wicket partnership which helped the visitors in the end to set a victory target of 109 runs.