Azharuddin XI win benefit tie

MUMBAI, Feb 3: Mohammad Azharuddin XI defeated Arjuna Ranatunga XI by two wickets with 4 balls to spare in the Abid Ali Benefit match here tonight. The home team, set a target of 261 to win by the visitors, faltered after a superb start before recovering to score 261 for 8 in 49.2 overs. Sachin Tendulkar 50 in 50 balls with 1 six and 7 fours and Saurav Ganguly 64 in 65 balls, 1215;6 and 6215;4 gave Azhar XI a flying start of 92 in 13 overs.

After Tendulkar8217;s exit, Ganguly and captain Azharuddin 86 not out, 86 balls, 6215;4 and 1215;6 added 72 runs in 11.1 overs for the second wicket to continue the momentum. Azhar and Javagal Srinath not out 14 put on 54 runs for the unbroken ninth wicket to help India win.

Earlier, Ranatunga XI were towered to 260 for 8 through the efforts of opener Sanath Jayasurya 54and Ranatunga 62 in 77 ballsBrief scores: Ranatunga XI 260-8 S Jayasurya 54, R Mahanama 34, A Ranatunga 62, K Dharmasena 39, C Vaas 30; Robin Singh 2-53, Anil Kumble 2- 38, VVS Laxman 2-48 lost toAzharurddin XI 261-8 S Tendulkar 50, S Ganguly 64, M Azharuddin not out 86; R Pushpakumara 3-57, D Anurasiri 3-24.