Dhulap came in when Rizvi were in a spot of trouble at 33 for two yesterday. He batted almost all of the second day, and was instrumental in Rizvi posting a strong 367 for seven in reply to Jhunjhunwala's first innings score of 177. With two days left in the match, and Rizvi ahead by 190, it is not difficult to surmise which side the bookies are backing.

A workman-like performance from the middle order was responsible for Rizvi's ascendance today. With Dhulap the bulwark, overnight batsman Mazid Ansari, Seemab Khan, Imran Khan and Ranjit Bagwe all came up with useful contributions and Jhunjhunwala were made to toil for each wicket.

Mazid (43: 144 balls, 3x4) and Dhulap (216 balls, 22x4) put on 73, Seemab (29: 49 balls, 4x4) and Dhulap 80; Dhulap and Ranjeet Bagwe (57 not out, 8x4) puton 115 for the sixth wicket before Dhulap was bowled by captain Pritam Veer.

Jhunjhunwala were suspect of playing a bit defensive, relying heavily on their two off-spinners, Pritam Veer and Chirag Shah, each sending down over thirty overs and capturing two wickets. Leggie Kapil Sharma, who the think-thank thought would be too expensive, got just six overs.

Brief scores: Rizvi 367-7 (Amit Dhulap 171, Ranjit Bagwe 57 not out, Mazid Ansari 43, Seemab Khan 29, Imran Khan 26, Pritam Veer 2-69, Chirag Shah 2-82) vs Jhunjhunwala 177.