Indian batsmen excel

Published February 5, 2003

PIETERMARITZBURG (South Africa), Feb 4: Virender Sehwag was the only failure as India rattled up 265 for seven in 50 overs before their World Cup practice match against KwaZulu Natal was ended early by a thunderstorm on Tuesday.

Sehwag was dismissed for four but Rahul Dravid and Yuvraj Singh scored 66 apiece at a run a ball in a fourth-wicket partnership of 102, while captain Saurav Ganguly made 41 and Sachin Tendulkar 47.

KwaZulu Natal scored 69 for two from 18 overs in reply before the match was abandoned.

India coach John Wright was delighted that his frontline batsmen showed good form following the recent disappointing tour of New Zealand, where they lost the one-day series 5-2 and both tests inside three days.

“Today was a good runout for the team, particularly with the four main run-scorers all getting in and spending some welcome time out in the middle,” said Wright.

“We were happy with the conditions — the pitch was a little bit slow but generally true and pretty similar to what we are used to back in India.

“It was disappointing the bowlers didn’t get more of a runout as they’re all a bit rusty, but (leg spinner Anil) Kumble looked in good form.”

India begin their World Cup campaign against Holland in Paarl on Feb 12.—Reuters

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