Mohali: Central Zone defeated South Zone by four wickets with 63 balls to spare to set up a semi-final clash with North Zone at Dharamshala beginning on March 18.
Winning the toss and opting to field Central Zone restricted South Zone to 224 for nine in 50 overs. Ravi Teja (32), Dinesh Karthik (52) and Rohan Prem (38) were the principal run getters for South Zone. A 78-run partnership for the fourth wicket between Dinesh Karthik and Rohan Prem was the highlight of South Zone innings. For Central Zone Bhuvnesh Kumar (3 for 43), J.G.Saxena (3 for 39) and skipper Piyush Chawla (2 for 48) were the main wicket takers.
Replying, Central Zone knocked off the required runs in 39.3 overs. They scored 225 for 6. They were helped in their cause by a fluent half century (50) off 58 balls by former international Mohd. Kaif before he was castled by left arm spinner Pragyan Ojha. The other notable contributions came from J.G. Saxena (32), Ashok Maneria (37) and a blistering (34) off 25 balls inclusive of 5x4s and 1x6 by skipper Piyush Chawla who was also named man of the match for his allround performance. A 61-run partnership for the third wicket between Mohd. Kaif and Ashok Mareia was the highlight of Central Zone’s innings.
The first semi final will start at 9.00 a.m at PCA Cricket Stadium, Mohali between West Zone and East Zone. West zone is being led by international Star Parthiv Patel while East Zone is being led by international star Wriddhiman Saha. Incidentally both the captains are wicket keepers for their respective zones. West Zone also boasts of international stars Ajinkya Rahane, Munaf Patel, Chiteshwar Pujara and Jay Dev Unadkat. Saurav Tiwari and Dheeraj Yadav will be turning up for East Zone. It is likely to be a very engrossing encounter.
