3 points for West

West Zone secured three vital points by virtue of their first-innings lead over Central Zone in the four-day Duleep Trophy cricket match which ended in a draw at Madhavrao Scindia Cricket Ground here today.

West Zone had amassed 411 in their first edition and then bowled out Central Zone for 384 to take a thin but valuable 27-run lead. In their second essay, West Zone, resuming at their overnight 99 without loss, scored 335/7 in overs.

Ajinkya Rahane 89 202b, 15X4 and Parthiv Patel 74 113b, 11X4 were the leading contributors in West Zone8217;s second innings. Ramesh Powar 47 and Sandeep Jobanputra 40 remained unbeaten when the match ended.

Brief scores: West Zone 411 vs Central Zone 335 A Rahane 89, Parthiv Patel c 74; Sumit Mathur 5/63.