Gujarat the underdogs

SURAT, DECEMBER 25: Underdogs Gujarat have a hard task ahead when they meet Mumbai in the one-dayer of the West Zone Ranji Trophy at Lalbhai Contractor stadium here tomorrow. Gujarat began their campaign well against Baroda by winning the one-dayer, but their display in the other matches was dismal. Mumbai on the other hand, excepting for last year’s mightly fall, have held the upper hand in West Zone. They go into this match with great confidence.The outfield is lush green and fast. The wicket is expected to be sporting with a slight bounce, but if this morning’s cloud cover reappears tomorrow, it will make the toss very vital.

TN look confident
CHENNAI: Hosts Tamil Nadu, who tamed champions Karnataka in their own den begin on a confident note when they take on a strong Hyderabad, led by former Indian captain M Azharuddin in the Subbaiah Pillay one-dayer followed by the four-day South Zone Ranji Trophy Cricket match at Chepauk here tomorrow. Hyderabad, who landed here on Christmas morning, wasted no time and had a session at the nets but the star attraction, Azharuddin, who was honoured with the 1998 Sportstar Award on Friday night, was conspicuous by his absence. Hyderbad won all their three one-dayers; Tamil Nadu have won two, the third being washed away.