Pujara plays a captain’s knock; Indian A beat Windies A by two wickets

Cheteshwar Pujara led India ‘A’ to a thrilling two-wicket win with an unbeaten 96-run knock on the fourth and final day of the first unofficial Test against the West Indies ‘A’ here. Chasing a modest 186, India were in doldrums at 5 for 68 before Pujara played the captain's role to guide the visitors to a nerve-wrecking win. He added 73 runs with number 10 batsman Shami Ahmed (27) to steer the visitors home.

According to a report in Indian Express, Pujara, who has struck a 50 in the first innings, was once again patience personified as he held one end even as wickets tumbled at regular interval around him.

The 24-year-old right-hander faced 222 deliveries and struck 10 fours in a calculated innings that should impress the selectors when the senior squad is picked.

For the home team, lanky pacer Jason Holder, playing at his home ground, registered his third five-wicket haul in his 15th first-class match -- a performance that reduced India A to 115 for 8 at one stage.

On a rain-interrupted day, a draw seemed likely when the two teams went off the field in the final hour with India 'A' needing 20 runs but the weather cleared and Pujara ensured that it was an opportunity grabbed as he took his side to a nail-biting triumph.

Meanwhile, the ICC has initially rejected Pakistan Cricket Board's request to allow it to host more than three Twenty20 matches against Australia in August-September. The ICC has advised the PCB to take up the issue for discussion at the Chief Executive’s meeting to be held in Kuala Lumpur at the end of June. Yusuf gets award after 14-month delay

According to a report in Hindustan Times, Yusuf Pathan, a member of the World Cupwinning team, has finally been presented the Gujarat Government’s Eklavya Award, almost 14 months after it was announced.

Meanwhile a report in The DNA says that Pakistan pacer Mohammad Asif, who served a jail sentence for his role in the spot-fixing scandal, has dismissed speculation that he intended to apply for political asylum in the United Kingdom. “I am training hard and regularly to keep myself fit and I am also preparing to file appeals against my convictions in the case,” Asif said. He was released from a prison in Canterbury last month.
He has preferred to remain in London and said he was been helping his legal team to finalise his appeal against his two convictions at the Southwark Crown Court.

“There is no question of applying for political asylum in Britain. Those who run away from Pakistan apply for asylum. I want to return to Paki-stan. I intend to return to Paki-stan and play for my country,” he stressed. Speaking about the help provided by his legal team, Asif remarked, “I am happy with the way my legal team has worked.”