West Zone regain Duleep Trophy

West Zone added another glorious chapter to their record books by regaining the Duleep Trophy, which they last won in 1997-98.

They emerged champions for the 15th time after their last match against East Zone ended in a draw at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Friday.

The match, which was destined for a draw after almost the entire third day's play was washed out, however, did provide some excitement on the concluding day with as many as 14 wickets tumbling.

Resuming at their overnight score of three for no loss, in reply to West Zone's first innings total of 529 for six declared, East Zone were bundled out for a paltry 162 before the tea break.

Paceman Irfan Pathan Jr (4/43) and spinner Ramesh Powar (6/35) were the main destroyers on a track which deteriorated due to heavy rain on Wednesday night.

The track was left uncovered as per the decision of the Board of Control for Cricket in India's Technical Committee, which allowed only half an hour's play on Thursday, the penultimate day.

West Zone scored 40 for four in their second innings before play was called off after the completion of the fifth mandatory over.

West Zone earned five points by virtue of their first innings lead and completed their Duleep trophy engagements with 26 points from four matches.

East Zone, who earned three points today, collected 17 points from four matches.

Earlier reports

Day 1: Kanitkar slams unbeaten ton
Day 2: West post huge total against East
Day 3: Rain restricts play

Mail Cricket Editor