WEST ZONE LIFTS DULEEP TROPHY

West Zone beat South Zone, convincingly by 274 runs, in the finals held at Chennai to lift the Duleep trophy for 17^th time.

Scorecard: South Zone vs West Zone, Duleep Trophy Finals, Chennai, 2008-09 Season

South Zone’s Failure in the First Innings

South Zone’s failure to restrict West Zone below 350 in the first innings and more importantly their failure with bat in the first innings cost them this match. Once they were bowled out for 199 in the first innings and with a deficit of 260 runs, their defeat was very much evident. Sreesanth was erratic and was too late to pick the wickets. The spinners failed to capitalize on the helpful track. No need to talk about the performance of their batsmen. Barring Badrinath no one stood up.

Rahul Dravid Failed Twice

The failure of Rahul Dravid in both the innings did not help the cause of South Zone team. It would have been nice had he produced a knock which resulted in South’s win. I hope he does well in the upcoming New Zealand tour.

Rahane Sparkles

If it was Rohit Sharma in Ranji final, it is Rahane in Duleep trophy final. He sparkled in both the innings. He made all the watchers of the domestic game to make a note of him.

Badrinath Still in the Hunt

Badrinath who had very ordinary season came to the party in the last few matches. He was very unfortunate not to make the Test squad in 2006 when he was in top form. I hope he is not treated like Sridharan Sharath, a proficient batsman from Tamil Nadu, but become India’s Michael Hussey.

Pawar and Powar makes merry

The offie Ramesh Powar and the left-arm spinner Rajesh Pawar strangulated South’s batting in both the innings. Powar added another fiver to his kitty in the second innings. They did what their counterparts in the South Zone failed to do.