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Ganguly hits hurricane century

India's cricket captain Saurav Ganguly scored a rousing 120 off 98 balls to steer Lancashire to a 10-wicket victory over Lincolnshire at Cleethorpes yesterday.

In his hurricane knock, Ganguly hit 18 fours and two sixes and along with Michael Atherton put up Lancashire's best opening stand in the competition and took his side to victory with 20 overs to spare.

Replying to Lincolnshire's 190 for nine in 50 overs, Lancashire scored 193 without loss.

Man-of-the-match Ganguly, who had earlier taken three wickets for 26, plundered 28 off the last over he faced, hitting four boundaries and two sixes off seamer David Pipes.

There was never a trace of brute force in Ganguly's shots. His cutting and glancing was wristy, his driving delightfully graceful.

On the other hand Atherton, pleasantly fluent, reached 50 off 80 balls, with six fours.

Ganguly paid tribute to a "good pitch and fast outfield".

It was a poignant defeat for Lincolnshire, who are seeking first-class status as part of a ten-year plan. They were put in and scored an honourable 190-9 with Rishard Howeitt making 52 from 88 balls.