Kanitkar in rescue act

DUBAI, August 14: Hrishikesh Kanitkar hit 53 under difficult conditions to help Mohammed Azharuddin XI reach 205 for seven against Rashid Latif XI in the first of the three One-day exhibition matches here today.

Kanitkar, who came good when India were struggling at 100 for four, hit two fours and as many sixes in his knock as Azharuddin XI struggled to master the low bounce of the astro turf track at Al Ahli Stadium here.

With thick grass on the outfield making difficult to clear the ball to the fence, Kanitkar put his ability to run fast between the wicket to good use and built his innings well. His 50 came off 59 balls before he was bowled by paceman Mohammed Zahid in the 48th over.