Ninan, Joshi give Bangalore Zone edge over City XI

Raghu, Devraj shine for Presidents XI

Bangalore Zone, resuming at overnight score of 263 for three, rode on sparkling centuries from Anirudh Joshi and Ninan to declare their first innings at 535 for nine from 158.4 overs.

If City XI were to make any challenge of the imposing total, they had to put up an equally dominant batting display.

Openers Santhosh P and Stalin Hoover provided early glimpse of a fightback, steering City XI to 57 for no loss from 20 overs at stumps on day two.

However, the task on the third day could be more demanding. The star of the day for Bangalore Zone was Ninan, whose unbeaten ton came off just 147 balls.



Cutting into City XI’s bowling, Ninan provided the impetus for a strong total blasting eight boundaries and two sixes. Joshi supported him well with a fine 112 (208 balls, 10x4, 1x6) while Ronit More hit 70.

At the RSI (T) ground, President’s XI kicked themselves to strong first innings total of 526, thanks to another stirring show from C Raghu and Devraj T Patil. Raghu, who was on 69 overnight, went on to make 132 (311 balls, 19x4), while Patil struck 135 (182 balls, 20x4, 2x6) as President’s XI were dismissed for 526 from 160.1 overs.

Udit Patel was the pick of the bowlers for Combined XI picking up four wickets for 168, but the mammoth first innings total studded by the two centuries have put President’s XI very much in the driver’s seat.

The day ended on a more happy note for President’s as they plucked out two Combined XI wickets for 87 by stumps. Ganesh Satish was holding the fort for Combined X1 at the close of play, batting on 38.

Brief scores: At NRA (T): Bangalore Zone: 535/9 decl in 158.4 overs (R Samarth 152, Anirudh Joshi 112, Ryan Ninan 100 n.o., Ronit More 70; P Magizhendan 4-123, Parappa 2-85, Anil IG 3-130) vs City XI: 57/0 in 20 overs (Santhosh P 25 n.o., Stalin Hoover 31 n.o.).

At RSI (T): President’s XI: 526 all out in 160.1 overs (C Raghu 132, Devraj T Patil 135; BN Bharath 2-43, Zahoor 2-52, Udit Patel 4-168) vs Combined XI: 87/2 in 24 overs (Ganesh Satish 38 n.o.).