AMSTERDAM, August 14: Dutch batsmen were a transformed lot as they breathed defiance in reaching 253 for nine wickets in their first innings on the opening day of the second three-day match against India A here today.In ideal batting conditions after India A skipper Vikram Rathore won the toss and put the hosts into bat, Sinclair (53) and three others shone to finally match the Indian bowlers who have completely dominated so far on the tour.
Leg-spinner Sairaj Bahutule captured six for 76 and seasoned off-spinner Kanwaljeet Singh took two for 61 to share the spoils on a track that offered the bowlers little help.
Holland got off to a splendid start with a 66-run opening stand between Houberne (25) and Zulfikar (43: 6x4). A second half-century stand of exactly 50, between Statham (40) and Sinclair (53) for the fourth wicket, further consolidated the Dutch position. India A hopes of ending the Dutch innings on the first day itself were dashed by number nine batsman Bouter, who thwarted the Indian bowlersto remain unbeaten with 45 at at close after cracking four fours and a six.
Copyright © 1998 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.