Rajkot, Jan 28 (UNI) Mumbai openers--S Kukreja and A Rahene--scored 99 runs for no loss in their second essay at the close of play on the penultimate day of the four-day Duleep Trophy match at the Madhav Rao Scindia Ground here today.
Earlier, West Zone secured a vital 27-run first innings lead over Central Zone by bowling them out at 384 runs in reply to West Zone's 411 runs.
At stumps, S Kukreja was batting on 40 and A Rahane on 53, with the West Zone lead being 126 runs with just a day remaining. They also made 72 and 50 runs respectively in their first essay.
Both the batsmen negotiated 36 overs without being separated in second essay. Rahane hit ten fours while faced 115 balls in his 53 runs. Kukreja executed four boundaries in his unbeaten 40.
Central Zone skipper Mohd Kaif also introduced spinner Murli Kartik, who bowled 15 overs but was unable to dislodge them while conceding 31 runs.
Earlier, Central Zone's innings folded up at 384 runs shortly after lunch. West Zone had made 411 runs in first essay.
Kaif made a defiant 160 runs to camy his team to safety.
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