Abhinav Mukund’s century appeared to have sealed the issue when Hyderabad leg-spinner Akash Bhandari jolted the host. Then, skipper R. Prasanna took the TNCA President’s XI past the finishing line.
At the end of a hard fought duel, the President’s XI defeated Hyderabad by four wickets to win the Kalpathi AGS–all India Buchi Babu tournament here on Sunday. A TNCA side last triumphed in the competition in 2008-09.
Pursuing 404 in a maximum of 100 overs on the second day of the final at the Kalpathi-SSN ground, the President’s XI was home in the 99th over.
Mini collapseThe home side found itself in some trouble at 291 for five — the surface gradually offered a measure of assistance to the spinners — following a collapse of sorts. Then, Prasanna (66 not out, 77b, 5x4, 2x6) and wicket-keeper batsman U. Sushil (38) were involved in a tournament clinching sixth-wicket association of 92 in 15.4 overs.
The left-handed Prasanna impressed at the crunch. He employed the sweep shot effectively and lofted over the off-side field to disrupt the bowlers’ length.
The busy Sushil found the open spaces on both sides.
Earlier Abhinav (147, 224b, 16x4, 1x6) was organised at the crease. The southpaw judged the length capably, getting to his front foot or going back. His drives through off-side and his flicks pierced the field.
He also used his wrists deftly for shots behind the wicket. This was an innings where the opener found the harmony between offence and defence.
“I did not really have a successful time last season and this year I have been keen to spend more time in the middle. I have been batting well since my return from England where I played in the league,” said Abhinav, also adjudged Man of the Tournament.
Good opening standAbhinav put on 101 for the first wicket in 29.4 overs with Bharat Shankar (37). The latter essayed a few pleasing drives down the ground before playing too early at Bhandari and perishing caught and bowled.
B. Rahul did not last long, playing over a fuller delivery from left-arm spinner Mehdi Hasan. M. Shahrukh Khan joined Abhinav.
Shahrukh’s batting has evolved over the year. While he retains his aggression, the right-hander appears more at peace with himself at the crease. He is less hurried and more in control of the situation.
Five-for by BhandariK. Shri Vasudeva Das departed early, trapped leg-before by Bhandari. The leg-spinner finished with a laudable five-wicket haul but it was Board President’s XI that had the final say.
K.S. Viswanathan, secretary, TNCA, gave away the prizes. R.I. Palani, joint sectary, TNCA was present on the occasion.
The scores:
Final, second day: Hyderabad 403 for six in 100 overs lost to TNCA President’s XI 406 for six in 98.4 overs (Bharat Shankar 37, Abhinav Mukund 147, M. Shahrukh Khan 67, R. Prasanna 66 not out, U. Sushil 38, Akash Bhandari five for 149).
Man of the tournament: Abhinav Mukund.
