da dobrowin： With the issue having been virtually decided on the fourth day, thelast day’s play in the Duleep Trophy final at the Eden Gardens inCalcutta, predictably enough, made for dull viewing
Partab Ramchand21-Dec-1999With the issue having been virtually decided on the fourth day, thelast day’s play in the Duleep Trophy final at the Eden Gardens inCalcutta, predictably enough, made for dull viewing. With North Zoneboasting of a formidable line up there was very little chance of WestZone coming back into the game and the five day game meandered alongto a tame draw. North Zone, having gained the all important firstinnings lead of 101 runs, won the trophy for the 14th time, equallingthe record of West Zone.For the record, North Zone, 99 for two in their second inningsovernight batted on till they were all out for 248. Set to get 350 forvictory in 38 overs, West Zone were 64 for five in 22 overs when playwas called off.West Zone did make a brave bid to come back in spite of the fact thatthe wicket remained a `sleeping beauty’ even on the final day. Theydid take wickets at regular intervals and particularly impressive wasmedium pacer Zaheer Khan, who finished with four wickets. The in formPankaj Dharmani however held firm. Shortly after lunch, North Zonewere 182 for nine. But Dharmani and Robin Singh prolonged West Zone’sagony with a last wicket partnership of 66 runs in an hour off 13.4overs. Dharmani was last out for 93. He batted a shade over fourhours, faced 167 balls and hit 15 fours. In the process, he completed1000 runs in the domestic season.West Zone had a virtually impossible task. Amit Bhandari and NavdeepSingh picked up some quick wickets and with about an hour to go, theplayers mercifully decided to call a halt to the pointlessproceedings.