Kanitkar, who came good when India were struggling at 100 for four, hit two fours and as many sixes in his knock as Azharuddin XI struggled to master the low bounce of the astro turf track at Al Ahli Stadium here.

With thick grass on the outfield making difficult to clear the ball to the fence, Kanitkar put his ability to run fast between the wicket to good use and built his innings well. His 50 came off 59 balls before he was bowled by paceman Mohammed Zahid in the 48th over.

Earlier, electing to bat, Azhar XI began in a great style with some lusty hitting from Sachin Tendulkar and Saurav Ganguly. But they lost pace in the middle until Kanitkar poured life into the innings.