Hyderabad: An impressive century under pressure by Bhuvneshwar Kumar helped Central Zone eke out North Zone by the virtue of first innings and make it to the finals of the Duleep Trophy played here on Wednesday.

Riding on a 10th wicket partnership between Bhuvneshwar(128) and Rituraj(39), Central scored 469 in reply to North’s 451 to take a slender lead of 18 runs, which was enough for them to qualify for the finals.

Bhuvneshwar who perhaps played the innings of his life belted hit 13 fours and three sixes in his innings.

Central who were at one stage reeling at 117-5 were rescued by a sixth wicket partnership between Mohd. Kaif (63) and Mahesh Rawat (71), and then the last three wickets put up 218 runs to send North packing.

North coming out to bat in their second essay scored 187-4. Central were 39-1 in 13 overs, when both the captains decided to call it a day.

This is their second consecutive final appearance and they would take on East Zone. 

Brief scores:

North Zone: 451 & 187/4 (R Dewan 80). Central Zone: 469 in 154.1 overs (Bhuvneshwar Kumar 128, Mahesh Rawat 71, Mohammed Kaif 64, Rituraj Singh 39 no, R Dhawan 3/66) & 39/1.

By Indian Sports News Network