Central Zone defeats South Zone

Hyderabad, Mar 20 (UNI) The Central Zone defeated the South Zone by five wickets in the Deodhar Trophy match here today.

Electing to bat, the South Zone were all out for 163 in 46.4 overs.

While Rahul Dravid scored 51, A S Yadav scored 45 for the South Zone. For the Central Zone, Praveen Kumar claimed two wickets and Kanojia three wickets.

In reply, Central Zone's Faiz Fazal scored 58 runs and Piyush Chawla 33 runs.

Chasing 164 for victory, the Central began aggressively with Naman Ojha leading the way with a 30-ball 29.

The Central lost Naman and Suresh Raina within the space of three overs but Fazal continued with his game, scoring runs without taking any risks.

Earlier, the South were in trouble as soon as their innings began when both Robin Uthappa and Bharat Chipli fell victim to the swing of Praveen Kumar.

Seamer Rajesh Kanojia then struck twice in quick time, dismissing Badrinath and Dinesh Karthik as the South collapsed to 41 for 4.

But Rahul Dravid, who looked solid during his 70-ball 51, and Arjun Yadav (41) led the rescue act with 56-run fifth-wicket stand.

Once Dravid left, South's lower order folded up without putting up a fight.

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