Powar shines as West beat South by 274 runs for Duleep title

Ramesh Powar wrecked South Zone with a 10-wicket match haul as West Zone lifted their 17th Duleep Trophy title after overwhelming the hosts by 274 runs in the five-day final here today.

Chasing an improbable 678 for victory, South Zone ended at 403 for nine after injured tail-ender Vinay Kumar did not come out to bat.

Off-spinner Powar starred with the ball for West Zone and ended with a match haul of 10 for 187, seven of which came in the second innings. Powar finished the second innings with figures of 7/140. Resuming at overnight 232 for three, skipper S Badrinath (59) and wicketkeeper Dinesh Kaarthick (75) toiled hard before their dismissal triggered a collapse. The duo put on 121 runs for the fourth wicket before Badrinath was caught at long on by Powar off the bowling of Rajesh Pawar. Badrinath, a centurion in the first innings, stroked eight fours during his fighting knock in the second essay. Kaarthick was unfortunate to be dismissed hit wicket off Powar. While watching the ball go to the 'keeper after shouldering a Powar delivery, Kaarthick dragged his right leg back ending up disturbing the stumps in the process. Kaarthick hit five fours and three sixes during his stay at the crease.

R Ashwin played a valiant unbeaten 46-run innings -- studded with eight fours -- and combined with M Suresh (28) for a half-century stand but the host team's tail could not offer much support. Shadab Jakati contributed 22 runs but the match and the title had all but gone to West Zone by then.

Powar scalped five of the six wickets that fell today on a crumbling pitch. For West Zone's Wasim Jaffer, the triumph rounded off a brilliant season as he had led Mumbai to the Ranji Trophy title earlier.