PANAJI
Riding on an outstanding all-round performance by Nikhil, North Zone defeated West Zone by 158 runs to clinch the Vizzy Trophy Inter-Zonal Cricket Tournament title. After posting a formidable 268 for 9 in 50 overs, North Zone bundled out West Zone for just 110 runs, sealing a convincing victory. The match was played at the Goa Cricket Association Academy Ground in Porvorim on Saturday.
Batting first, North Zone got off to a steady start with Karteek Sharma (37) and Imadul Hasan (37) putting together an 82-run opening partnership. However, a few quick wickets in the middle overs slowed the innings.
At that stage, Nikhil played a brilliant counter-attacking knock, smashing 77 runs off 45 balls, which included eight fours and four sixes, to boost the team’s total.
Rahul Chaudhary (22) and Chirag Sharma (14) also made useful contributions, while Armaan Wadhwa remained unbeaten on 20 to take North Zone to 268/9 in their allotted 50 overs. For the West Zone, D. R. Gajraj picked up 3 for 50, while Salaudeen and S. S. Mishra claimed two wickets each.
Chasing a target of 269, the West Zone had a disastrous start, losing three wickets for just 14 runs. T. M. Tiwari (47) tried to steady the innings with a fighting knock, but the rest of the batting line-up failed to build partnerships.
