Hyderabad: Some remarkable batting from Central Zone’s lower middle order gave their team a crucial 18 runs lead over North Zone after day three of the four-day Duleep Trophy semifinal at the Rajiv Gandhi Stadium.
Central Zone started the day at 146/5 with captain Mohammed Kaif unbeaten on 34, Kaif got good support from Mahesh Rawat (71) and together Kaif and Rawat took the innings forward and had a stand of 102 runs for the sixth wicket.
Both Kaif and Rawat got out in quick succession and it looked that North Zone will get the first innings lead. But the lower middle-order showed some good resilience as first Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Praveen Kumar stitched a handy partnership of 42 runs. After the fall of Praveen’s wicket Kumar had a 49 runs partnership with Murali Kartik (22).
Kartik got out with the score at 342 and Central Zone needed more than 100 runs to clear of the deficit with only one wicket remaining.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar showed the potential he has with the bat, playing some cracking shots, he completed his hundred and looked extremely focused at the crease. Number 11 batsman, Rituraj Singh played well at the other end and provided good support.
Kumar got out after playing a splendid knock of 128 but not before bringing home the advantage. Amit Mishra was the pick of the North bowlers picking up four wickets.
Brief Score:
North Zone: 451
Central Zone: 469/10 (B Kumar 128, Rawat 71, Mishra 4-162)
By Indian Sports News Network