Tags:
Journalism of Courage
Suresh Raina and Abbas Ali held their nerve on a tricky track to guide Central to a comfortable six-wicket win over East.
Left-handers Raina and Ali shared a 55-run stand for the fourth wicket and helped Central overcome minor hiccups to overhaul the target of 137 with more than a day and half to spare at the Roop Singh Stadium. Raina cracked a nonchalant 31 4215;4, 84m while Ali remained unbeaten on 47 8215;4, 103m as the two steered Central out of a precarious 37-3.
Resuming at 7-1, and needing another 130 to win on a dicey track, Central warded off any threat of early inroads by East in the first hour of the day with skipper Mohammad Kaif 17 and Sanjay Bangar 9 playing the sheet anchor role. Their association was broken when a sharp incutter from Sanjib Sanyal trapped Kaif plumb in front. He said the match deserved a better wicket. 8220;Not a great wicket to be honest, for a first-class match before an international series8230; But you have to take whatever that comes your way,8221; he said.
Brief scores: East: 194 and 131 lost to Central: 189 and 139-4 Suresh Raina 31, Abbas Ali 47 n.o, Paul 2-32.
