Karn Sharma spins out North Zone's hopes

MUMBAI: Given their squad composition, North Zone started as overwhelming title favourites in the Syed Mushtaq Ali tournament. But, after their loss to Central Zone on Wednesday - their second straight defeat - the team led by Harbhajan Singh is virtually out of reckoning.
Central, on the other hand, are alive and kicking, having won two of their three matches thus far.Chasing a competitive 168, North Zone managed 163-6, losing by four runs. Legspinner Karn Sharma emerged the best of the bowlers, claiming 3-17 off his four overs.
He got rid of openers Shikhar Dhawan (37 runs; 39 balls, 5x4), Gautam Gambhir (20 runs; 20 balls, 3x4) and Harbhajan (1 run, 4 balls), who came in at No. 3.