SZONE's Ankit Sharma dismissed for 99 in Duleep Trophy final
What's the story
South Zone all-rounder Ankit Sharma played a knock of character in the third innings of the ongoing Duleep Trophy final against Central Zone in Bengaluru. He, however, was extremely unfortunate to be dismissed on 99. This knock could not have come at a better time as SZONE were staring at an innings defeat when Ankit arrived to bat. Here are his stats.
Knock
Brilliant hand from Ankit
With Central Zone taking a first-innings lead of 362 runs, SZONE were under pressure heading into the third innings. They were reduced to 222/6 on Day 3 morning when Ankit arrived to bat. His 192-run partnership with C Andre Siddarth turned the tide. Their combined efforts did not just put SZONE into the lead but also powered them past 400.
Stats
Second FC hundred for Ankit
Ankit's 99 came off 168 balls (13 fours, 1 six). The southpaw missed out on his second First-Class hundred as he now owns 13 fifties. Playing his 69th game, he has completed 2,277 runs, averaging around 30. With his left-arm spin, Ankit claimed 4/180 from 44.1 overs in the second innings. This was his seventh FC four-fer as he boasts 172 wickets at 39-plus.
Information
Kumar Kartikeya ends Ankit's stay
Left-arm spinner Kumar Kartikeya brought an end to Ankit's stay in the final hour of Day 3. The batter mistimed a big shot as the ball lobbed up in the air. CZONE captain Rajat Patidar subsequently took a fine catch.