Play was possible in just one match – TNCA XI vs Uttar Pradesh CA at the IIT-Chemplast ground – as inclement weather prevented four other duels from commencing in the Kalpathi all-India Buchi Babu tournament here on Thursday.
In a match reduced to 87 overs per side, Uttar Pradesh was 150 for four in 47 overs on day one; play began at 1.30 p.m. TNCA XI had elected to field.
“There will be no further reduction of overs in the contest. If the game remains unfinished, both teams will pick a point each,” said TNCA XI coach S. Sriram.
There was no play at RKM-Vivekananda (Haryana versus Hyderabad), Chepauk (Karnataka vs Bengal), MRF-Pachaiyappa (Assam vs TNCA President’s XI), and Murugappa (Baroda vs Kerala) grounds.
At the IIT-Chemplast ground, crafty bowling by TNCA XI skipper R. Ashwin was the highlight of the day. The tall off-spinner used the crease capably and varied his pace to pick up three for 35. The home side bowled to attacking fields.
For Uttar Pradesh, Mukul Daggar was batting well on 38 when he suffered a back spasm while going for a second run and had to be taken off the field. He was taken in an ambulance to a local hospital. Daggar is unlikely to take further part in the match.
Prashant Gupta struck some weighty blows during his innings of 39 but Ashwin had him taken at slip. Akshadeep Nath (15) and Praveen Kumar (4) were together at stumps. Had its catching been sharper, TNCA XI could have made greater inroads.
The scores: At IIT-Chemplast (Day One): Uttar Pradesh CA 150 for four in 47 overs (Mukul Daggar 38 retd., Prashant Gupta 39, R. Ashwin three for 35) vs TNCA XI. Toss: TNCA XI . — Special Correspondent
