Chennai: Hrishikesh Kanitkar led Plate 'A' took a vital 92-run first innings lead against Elite 'A' but in its second innings, its top order was rocked by medium pacer Irfan Pathan (Jr) who grabbed four for 46 as it ended the penultimate day at 120 for six in the four-day Duleep Trophy match on Friday. Resuming at its overnight 170 for six, Elite 'A' was helped by left handed S Sriram who steadied the innings with a fine 119, to a score of 281. At close, Plate A's Tilak Naidu (26) and Sunil Joshi (20) were at the crease with their team at 120 for six. In the other match, medium pacer and debutant Amit Uniyal of Punjab bowled a career best six for 92 to help Elite 'B' achieve 18-run first innings lead over Plate 'B'. Replying to Elite B's first innings total of 350 all out, Plate 'B' could muster 322 thanks to a superb 95 by Srikumar Nair. However, Elite B's opening batsman, Amit Phagnis stood his ground making a strokeful unbeaten 84. After his partner Wasim Jaffer was trapped leg before by Hirwani for 59. The two put on 116 runs for the first wicket. Phagnis added 58 useful runs for the second wicket with Vinayak Mane (25) before Mane fell to Hirwani, stumped by Deshpande. The rival captains were at a loss as they were unable to chalk-out plans for on Saturday, the last day of the match, as the BCCI has not yet made known the new points system to the staging units. Under the present rules, points are awarded for the team claiming first innings lead and bonus points given on achieving batting and bowling targets. Extras:
Yadav, Singh rescue Elite 'B' as Hirwani bags five

Tags: cricket, hrishikesh kanitkar, irfan pathan jr, duleep trophy, s sriram, tilak naidu, sunil joshi, amit uniyal of punjab, srikumar nair, amit phagnis, wasim jaffer, vinayak, bcci.