Bhuvneshwar takes Central to final

Hyderabad: Bhuvneshwar Kumar played the innings of his first-class career as Central Zone made it to the Duleep Trophy final for the second successive year as they beat North Zone by virtue of 18-run first innings lead.

Central Zone scored 469 in reply to North's 451 riding on an astonishing 127-run 10th wicket partnership between Bhuvneshwar who hit a career-best 128 and Rituraj who chipped in with 39.

The match as contest was over when Bhuvneshwar scored two runs off Ishant Sharma to give his team an all-important lead. It was after Rituraj had hit another Delhi speedster Parvinder Awana for two boundaries to level the scores. Bhuvneshwar hit 13 fours and three sixes in his innings.

Central Zone scored 469 in reply to North\'s 451 riding on an astonishing 127-run 10th wicket partnership between Bhuvneshwar and Rituraj.

"It was one of the best innings of my first-class career. I am happy that I have been able to win it for my team," Bhuvneshwar told PTI during an interaction after the match.

(For updates you can share with your friends, follow IBNLive on Facebook, Twitter, Google+ and Pinterest)