West Zone bowlers made to toil by North East batters

CHENNAI: The formidable West Zone bowlers faced unexpected resistance from North East Zone batters before dismissing them for 235 in 81.5 overs to secure a huge 367-run first innings lead on the third day of the Duleep Trophy quarterfinal.

Ankur Malik hit a quickfire 81 while skipper Hokaito Zhimoni and Ashish Thapa made useful contributions to defy the West team, which would have hoped to make short work of its opponent. West declared at the overnight score of 590 for 2 and the weak North East batting line-up slipped to 20 for 4 quickly as the experienced Jaidev Unadkat (3 for 35) and Chintan Gaja (4 for 38) got down to work.

Unadkat set the ball rolling by dismissing Kishan Lyndoh (2). He had Mohammed Al Bashid caught by Het Patel for a duck off the next delivery but Jonathan Rongsen prevented him from getting a hat-trick. Jonathan fell a couple of overs later to Gaja and Doria was caught by Ajinkya Rahane off Undakat to leave North East struggling at 20 for 4.

When it looked like the team from the North-East would capitulate swiftly, skipper Zhimoni (32) and Thapa (43) got together. They defied a varied West Zone attack for more than 30 overs with focus on survival rather than scoring.

Zhimoni’s stonewalling effort -- lasting 154 balls and 62-run stand with Thapa (143 balls, 4 fours) -- ensured that the West bowlers were made to work hard for wickets.

Thapa succumbed to medium-pacer Atit Sheth (2 for 51) as West managed to break the stand. Dippu Sangma (2) did not last long but Ankur Malik (81), who walked in at No.8, was in no mood to defend. He took the attack to the West Zone bowlers and hammered 13 boundaries to infuse some interest into the proceedings.

West chose to bat a second time despite having taken a mammoth lead with a day’s play remaining.

BRIEF SCORES: West Zone 590 for 2 in 123 overs (Yashasvi Jaiswal 228, Ajinkya Rahane 207 not out, Prithvi Shaw 113) and 12 for 1 in 9 overs vs North East Zone 235 all out in 81.5 overs (Ankur Malik 81, Ashish Thapa 43, Hokaito Zhimono 32, Jaydev Unadkat 3/35, Chintan Gaja 4/38)