PESHAWAR, February 9: India A were 95 for four wickets in their second innings, after conceding a 17-run first innings lead, at stumps on the second day of their three-day tie against Peshawar Cricket Association XI here today.Medium-pacer Ajit Agarkar captured six for 75 as India A restricted their rivals to 197 after being bowled out for 180 on the first day after they elected to bat on a hard and bouncy track.
India A led by Sairaj Bahutule -- four players, skipper Gagan Khoda, Wasim Jaffer, Debashish Mohanty and Murali Karthik were rested -- fared poorly in their first knock with left-handed opener Nikhil Haldipur top-scoring with 35 and Abbas Ali contributing 22.
Bahutule made 21 as the Indian batsmen succumbed to pace. Left-armer Kabir Khan who claimed three wickets for 40 with good support from fellow pacemen Fazie Akbar (3-36) and Sajid Shah (3-53).
Agarkar was backed up by left-arm seamer Madhukar (2-45) to help India A peg back Peshawar for a slender lead by tea today. Jatin Paranjpe andSanjay Raul were together at stumps as the visitors came up with a much better display in the second innings.
Indian coach Krishnamachari Srikkanth said after the day's play, ``I am impressed with Agarkar. He is a good all-rounder material.'' ``Our bowling is coming on really well. I would have been happy if the boys had got better batting practice. We are very confident going into the Test and the boys are also geared up. Hopefully we should win the Test series,'' Srikkanth added.
Copyright © 1998 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.
