Kanpur: After rain had washed out the third day’s play, India Blue settled for a draw against India Red in the fourth and final day of the Duleep Trophy clash at the Green Park Stadium in Kanpur on September 16.
Hanuma Vihari (105), who was unbeaten on 88 after play for the third day was abandoned, scored a hundred while Deepak Hooda, who was batting on 37 when play resumed on Saturday added 96 more runs too score a scintillating 133 from just 174 balls with the help of 14 fours and three sixes.
The duo helped India Blue score 444 in the first innings and take a 61-run lead over the opposition. Karn Sharma, who was the star for India Red in the first match took a five-wicket haul conceding 94 runs while left-arm spinner Vijay Gohil and speedster Basil Thampi scalped two wickets apiece.
India Red in reply scored 133/5 in 35 overs as wicketkeeper batsman Rishabh Pant was run out for 46.
Although the match ended in a draw, it is now an advantageous situation for the Suresh Raina led India Blue who are looking good for a final berth as they are now in the second position among the three teams with three points while India Green are yet to open their account. India Red tops the table with seven points from two matches and the next game between India Blue and India Green slated to be held at the same venue starting on September 19 would decide as to which two teams would progress to the final, beginning on September 25.
Brief scores-
India Red: 383 & 133/5 (Rishabh Pant 46; Ankit Rajpoot 1/17) in 35 overs
India Blue: 232/3 (Hanuma Vihari 105, Deepk Hooda 133; Karn Sharma 5/94).