Sehwag slams century
in a dull draw

Virender Sehwag hit a blistering hundred in the Indians' second innings as the three-day game against Derbyshire ended in a tame draw on Friday.

Sehwag blasted 14 fours and four sixes in his 97-ball 104 as the Indians finished on 182 for three in their second innings at close of play.

Derbyshire had earlier been bowled out for 358. They conceded an 87-run lead to the Indians, who had declared their first innings at 445 for eight.

Sehwag set the ground ablaze and raised his hundred when the total was just 122. His opening wicket partnership with Sanjay Bangar, who scored only seven runs, was worth 69. His partner in the 59-run second-wicket stand, Shiv Sunder Das, was a mute spectator.

His century, which came off 90 balls, was, however, far from the fastest recorded this county season. Kent batsman Matthew Flemings scored a hundred off just 66 balls against the touring Sri Lankans in a first class game earlier this summer.

Sehwag hit a number of attractive shots all around the ground but none was better than a cut six off paceman Neil Guner which cannoned off over the point boundary.

He was finally dismissed, caught by Guner at long on off the bowling of Steve Selwood.

Das, who was on 13 at the fall of Sehwag, then took on the mantle and went on to make a stylish 52, which had 10 fours, before his dismissal, off a catch at long-off, brought an end to the day's proceedings.

Earlier, Derbyshire, resuming at the overnight score of 228 for three, were all out for 358 in the second session.

Opener Riwait Khan, unbeaten on 77 on Thursday, fell leg before wicket to Ashish Nehra on 91. Nehra finished with four wickets for 85 runs.

Leg-spinner Anil Kumble was the best bowler on view, picking three wickets for 23 runs.

(c) Copyright 2002 PTI. All rights reserved. Republication or redistribution of PTI content, including by framing or similar means, is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent.