Central take on East

However, the Mohammed Kaif led side will have a slight edge over East.

With RP Singh and Salabh Srivastav sharing the new ball, to be followed by all-rounder Praveen Kumar, Central have a decent pace attack. With the experienced JP Yadav and Murali Kartik in their ranks, there is balance in their bowling.

However, in the absence of the injured Suresh Raina, Central8217;s batting looks a bit stretched and would be up against a far more potent new ball attack than what they faced against South.

East will be relying heavily on medium-pacer Ranadeb Bose for vital breakthroughs. They would be looking forward to their young guns 8212; Manoj Tewary and Abhishek Jhunjhunwala 8212; to make big scores.

With Central defeating South Zone in their last game, the team will be hoping to carry the momentum 8212; impressive fielding and possible solid start from opening bat Praveen Kumar.

For the record, West Zone are the league leaders with 14 points followed by North Zone with four points.