CHETASHWAR PUJARA hauled his side from the depths of despair with a resolute captain’s innings to lead India “A” to a remarkable, two-wicket win over West Indies “A” at Kensington Oval yesterday that gave the visitors a one-nil advantage in the unofficial three-match Test series.
Captain Pujara proved an immovable object in occupying the wicket for more than five hours to score 96 not out and usher the Indians past a target of 186 after they started the final day on 22-3 with the skipper still to open his account.
The 24-year-old right-hander battled the pain inflicted by the West Indies fast men, maintained his concentration through three rain interruptions and expertly shielded number ten batsman Shami Ahmed with whom he posted 73 unbeaten runs after all seemed lost at 115-8.
Pujara, who made 72 on his test debut against Australia in October 2010, was dropped on 11 by ‘keeper Devon Smith off left-arm medium pacer Delorn Johnson. It was a crucial let off as the skipper went on to defy the home team for more than five hours.
Read the full story in today’s MIDWEEK NATION.
