West in commanding position

Former champions West Zone were in a commanding position, after amassing 496 runs thanks to a near double century by skipper Hrishikesh Kanitkar to take a first innings lead of 204 runs against South Zone on the penultimate day of the Duleep Trophy league tie in Chennai on Thursday.

In the second innings, South lost captain M S K Prasad for no score, clean bowled by Ajit Agarkar. South, who had made 292 in the first essay, were eight for one wicket at close, Sriram (6) and Vinay Kumar (1) were at the crease.

Kanitkar hit a patient 192 (295 balls, 21x4 1x6), while Aphale (76-9x4), Powar (54-9x4) and Bahatule (68) played well for West Zone. Debutant off spinner H Watekar claimed five for 163, while medium pacer Venkatesh Prasad took three for 53. Srinivas (1/77) and Sriram (1 for 123) were the other wicket takers.

Kanitkar continued his good batting display, but was out eight runs short of a double century. He mistimed his shot and holed out to Venkatesh Prasad at mid-on. His shared stands worth 145 and 70 runs with K Aphale and A Bhoite respectively to help West surpass South's total in the 94th over.

Mail Cricket Editor