Syed Mushtaq Ali: Agarwal hits fifty as South Zone beats West Zone

South Zone's Mayank Agarwal en route his 70 vs West during the Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 tie at Wankhede yesterday. Pic/SURESH KARKERA

Riding on Mayank Agarwal's (70) half century, South Zone trounced West Zone by five wickets in the Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 Inter-Zonal league match at Wankhede Stadium yesterday.

South won the toss and put the opposition in and used the early morning conditions to to have them reeling at 81-4. Deepak Hooda struck a 21-ball 32 to give some momentum but his departure at 112 in the 16th over set West back although Irfan Pathan helped the total reach 140 by making 26 in 17 balls.

Mayank Agarwal celebrates half century during Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy Inter-Zonal match. Pic/PTI

Chasing South Zone opener Mayank Agarwal anchored the innings to a nicety. The Karnataka batsman and Vishnu Vinod (36) gave a good start adding 48 runs in five overs but then lost quick wickets. Agarwal then took over the attacking reins. He stood firm helped South cross the line. This was West's second loss in three games.