In-form batsman Shahrukh Khan smashed a belligerent ton to help TNCA President's XI edge past Gujarat by 1 wicket and book a final clash with Hyderabad XI in the Buchi Babu Memorial tournament here today.
Responding to Gujarat's 396 in 99.1 overs in the semifinal match, Shahrukh (118) and Abhinav Mukund (55) stitched a 138-run second-wicket partnership to take TNCA President's XI to 399 for nine in 99.4 overs.
K.Shrivasudevadas also chipped in with a useful 64. But it was the last-wicket pair of Antony Dhas (42 not out-52b, 4x4, 1x6) and Sunil Sam (6 not out), who stole the narrow win by making 24 runs in 19 deliveries.
In the other last-four clash, Hyderabad rode skipper P Akshat Reddy's unbeaten 148 to outplay Assam by eight wickets.
Replying to Assam's 247 in 90.1 overs, which they got yesterday, Hyderabad eased to 250 for two in 67 overs.
Reddy stuck it out with K Sumanth (38 not out) for the third-wicket to stitch 133 runs in 25 overs. Tanmay Agarwal (41) was the other valuable scorer for Hyderabad.
Brief Scores: Assam 247 in 90.1 overs lost to Hyderabad 250 for two in 67 overs (P Akshat Reddy 148 not out, Tanmay Agarwal 41 and K Sumanth 38 not out).
Gujarat 396 in 99.1 overs lost to TNCA President's XI 399 for nine in 99.4 overs (M Shahrukh Khan 118, K.Shrivasudevadas 64, Abhinav Mukund 55, N Einstein 39, M Prabhu 30, W Antony Dhas 42 not out, Sunil Sam 6 not out; Mehul Patel three for 86, Axar Patel three for 115.
