SHIKHAR’S TON HELPS INDIA RED DOWN BLUE

India discard Shikhar Dhawan’s century helped India Red register a 23-run win over India Blue in the Deodhar Trophy opener at the ACA-VDCA cricket stadium on Saturday.

Dhawan’s 122-ball 128 helped India Red post 327/8 after being sent in to bat by Harbhajan Singh. Blue could only muster 304 before being bowled out in 48.2 overs.

Earlier, India Red got off to a perfect start with Dhawan and skipper Parthiv Patel (50) adding 93 runs for the opening wicket before the Delhi batsman added another 103 runs for the third wicket with Ishank Jaggi (53).

India Blue used as many as seven bowlers to contain the onslaught from Dhawan, who signalled his return to form and made his intentions clear of making the Champions Trophy squad in June, by smashing 13 fours and three sixes .