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India 'A' vs Leewards

Wednesday, February 19 2003

The match between India A and Leeward Island's finished up as a draw. The India A team skippered by VVS Laxman got off to a good start with potential India openers Gautam Gambhir and Akash Chopra got off to a brilliant start.

The two flayed boundaries and ran the singles hard and totally left the Leeward Island bowlers helpless. The two bought up their 50 run partnership and eventually the 100 run partnership and both batsman went past 50 themselves.

Chopra fell for 79 and Gambhir fell for a wonderful 98 to leave India A in command at 2/191. 16 year old prodigy Ambati Rayadu came to the crease after VVS Laxman was dismissed for a paltry 4, and Rayadu brought the house down with his attacking strokeplay.

Rayadu and Abhijit Kale another Indian hopeful piled up the runs and both passed their half centuries. Rayadu fell for 84 off the bowling of Joseph, and Kale fell for 80, as India A finished up with a commanding first innings score of 450 all out.

Leewards began in a poor fashion with Mitchum being bowled by Yohannan. Adams and Sylvester Joseph began the counter-attack of the India A bowlers and the two bought up their 50 partnership. Both Adams (54) and Joseph (46) fell to leggie Amit Mishra.

Mishra grabbed the wicket of Willett, Matthew and Hodge to finish up with fine bowling figures of 5/55. Blazing batsman Ambati Rayadu proved he could play his part with the ball as well taking the wickets of Williams (40), Banks (4) and Simon (0), to finish up with 4/43.

VVS Laxman decided to enforce the follow on and Leewards began with a much better start. With Adams and Mitchum getting in amongst the runs. The two contributed 54 before Adams was dismissed for 27. Mitchum however carried on, and mastered the opposition bowlers.

He bought up his 50 in fine style and looked dangerous. Mishra once again got Sylvester Joseph for 11. Willett made a good knock of 41 before Mishra dismissed him, Mishra then picked up the wicket of skipper Stuart Williams to take 8 wickets in the match.

Mitchum and Banks continued their domination with Banks bringing up a fine 50. But in the end time ran out, as India A drew with Leeward Islands.


Brief Score Summary:

India: 450 All Out (Gambhir 98, Rayadu 84, Kale 80, Simon 3/75, Banks 3/100)

Leeward Islands: 201 All Out (Adams 54, Joseph 46, Mishra 5/55, Rayadu 4/43)

Leeward Islands (following on): 232/4 (Mitchum 72*, Banks 51*, Mishra 3/63)

Cricket Web Player of the Match: Amit Mishra (India A)

Posted by Sangrah