India fall to bowling masterclass

CRICKET

India suffered a second consecutive defeat in the quadrangular centenary series in New Zealand when they failed to master South Africa's tight bowling in Hamilton yesterday. South Africa batted first and were disappointed with their total of 223 having appeared set to score over 250. However, they were rescued by an excellent performance in the field and managed to strangle the Indian innings, particularly through the miserly bowling of the off- spinner Pat Symcox. Were it not for Gary Kirsten, however, South Africa would have had an even smaller total to defend. Aided by Daryll Cullinan, Kirsten set the South African innings going at a terrific pace and at one stage they were 167 for two, Kirsten having top-scored with 80. With the Indians in to bat, Hansie Cronje, the South African captain, soon brought on his slower bowlers. Sachin Tendulkar and Navjot Sidhu started well but the spell of 20 overs bowled by Cronje and Symcox slowed India's run-rate so much that the tail-enders had too much to chase.

In Harare, on the third day of the third Test between Pakistan and Zimbabwe, the visitors were rescued from a batting collapse by their two in-form batsmen, Inzamam Ul Haq and Ijaz Ahmed. Having come together with Pakistan on 88-3, they put on 116 before Inzamam was caught for 80. At close of play, Pakistan were on 235 for six with a lead of 223.