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An interesting final in the offing

Special Correspondent

Off-spinner M. Prabhu has shown promise
Saurashtra XI is a keen, young, competitive unit

Chennai: The three-day final of the all-India Buchi Babu invitation cricket tournament, beginning on Wednesday, promises an interesting fare.

Host TNCA XI takes on a combative Saurashtra XI in the title clash at the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium. The overs will be restricted to 90 in the first innings and 45 in the second. The final should not be lacking in thrills.

There have been gains for TNCA XI from the competition. Wicketkeeper-batsman K.H. Gopinath has kept well and batted with greater maturity. Off-spinner M. Prabhu has shown promise. Young batsman Maaruthi Raghav has made an impression, so has N. Einstein.

The more experienced M. Vijay and R. Ashwin too have pulled their weight. Vijay has made runs at the top of the order and Ashwin, steady and consistent, has struck crucial blows.

Areas of concern

Yet, there were a few areas of concern as well for TNCA XI in the knockout phase.

Baroda made 350 in a brave but futile chase in the quarterfinal and chinks in the host attack were visible. The home side seeks early blows from pacemen L. Balaji and V. Yomahesh.

The loss of four wickets for just over a 100 runs in the semifinal against Karnataka XI would also worry the TNCA XI. Fight-backs are not always possible.

Saurashtra XI, that stunned Mumbai XI on the chase and then outplayed Gujarat XI in the semifinals, is a keen, young, competitive unit.

The side has often bucked the odds over the last 12 months. In Cheteshwar Pujara, the side has a batsman with substance and flair.

Ravindra Jadeja is an exciting shot-maker, a handy left-arm spinner and a brilliant fielder.

Rakesh Dhruv, another left-armer, has flight and turn.

The stage is set on a surface that could encourage stroke-play.

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