Rain stops play

Chennai, Oct 4 (UNI) Heavy rain disrupted play in the final of the Challenger Series cricket tournament for the N K P Salve trophy between India Blue and Red here today.

India Blue, batting first after winning the toss, were 210 for four in 31.2 overs when heavy rain forced the players back to the dressing room.

The men in blue recovered from the initial blues after Zaheer Khan dealt a double blow dismissing Sachin Tendulkar (zero) and Irfan Pathan (22, 27 balls, 3x4) inside the first ten overs.

The other opener Virender Sehwag, who scored 28 in the first match and missed the second one due to an ankle injury, resurrected the innings along with skipper Rahul Dravid (43, 53 balls, 4x4) by adding 101 for the third wicket in 99 balls.

He struck form at the right time with an unbeaten 90 (78 balls, 14x4, 1x6) when rain intervened.

Dravid ran himself out and Yuvraj was trapped in front by left-arm spinner Murali Kartik after making a quickfire 27 (21 balls, 5x4).

M S Dhoni, who joined Sehwag, was not out on six.

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