Kaif, Raina hit half-centuries to revive Central Zone

Only 38 overs’ play was possible at the Gandhi Sports Complex ground on day one of the four-day clash due to heavy fog, and Central rallied from nine for three after being put in to reach 150 for three, thanks to unbeaten half-centuries by skipper Mohammad Kaif and Suresh Raina.

Play began only at 1.30 pm and Central were immediately in trouble when Ranadeb Bose accounted for opener Tanmay Srivastava in the very first over, caught behind. Ashok Dinda then got into the act, getting rid of Jalaj Saxena and the experienced Sanjay Bangar as Central found themselves in a deep hole.

A sedate Kaif and the counter-attacking Raina, however, bailed them out by putting on 141 (153m, 196b) for the fourth wicket. Kaif was unbeaten on 65 (172m, 115b, 12x4) while the left-handed Raina had closed in on a century when play was called off due to bad light, reaching 83 (153m, 96b, 15x4, 1x6).

Score Board

CENTRAL ZONE (I Innings): Tanmay Srivastava c Saha b Bose 0, Jalaj Saxena c M Tiwary b Dinda 0, Sanjay Bangar c A Das b Dinda 1, Mohammad Kaif (batting) 65, Suresh Raina (not out) 83. Extras (NB-1) 1. Total (for 3 wkts, 38 overs) 150.

Fall of wickets: 1-0, 2-0, 3-9.
Bowling: Ranadeb Bose 11-4-29-1, Ashok Dinda 14-3-45-2, Abu Nechim Ahmed 5-1-26-0, Dhiraj Goswami 3-0-20-0, Sourashish Lahiri 4-0-20-0, Manoj Tiwary 1-0-10-0.