PUNE, NOV 18: Maharashtra were put on the backfoot when the opening day of their last league clash with Mumbai in the under-19 Cooch Behar cricket tournament here was called off due to incessant spells of unseasonal rains since yesterday afternoon.Maharashtra have gone in for their last league match with 13 points, Mumbai already have 16, while Gujarat and Baroda stand at 13 and 11 points respectively as they play their last match at Ahmedabad.
This would mean that if either of the latter two teams muster even five points, and the match here is forced to be abandoned without a single ball, Maharshtra are left out in the cold with a total of only 14 points.
The first inspection by the umpires took place at 11.45 a.m., followed by a second one, with hopes pinned on the third slated for 3.15 p.m. However, just 15 minutes before that, the skies opened up again and the heavy showers persisted till after the final time stipulated for commencement.
MCA's suggestion for shifting of venue to the Poona Clubgrounds could not be followed through, since the rule book does not allow for such a change after the match has officially begun, even if no ball has been bowled.
The match is expected to resume tomorrow by lunch as the outfield is very wet. The final condition of the wicket could not be ascertained due to the presence of covers.
Copyright © 1998 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.