Dhawan guides India B to 27-run win in Deodhar Trophy opener

Discarded opener Shikhar Dhawan roared back to form with a sublime 128 as India B beat India A by 23 runs in the opening match of the Deodhar Trophy, here on Saturday.

Dhawan helped India B post 327 for eight in 50 overs. Captain Parthiv Patel (50) and Ishank Jaggi (53) also contributed to the total.

India B put up an all-around effort with the ball to bundle out India A for 304 in 48.2 overs as Ambati Rayudu's 92 went in vain. Pacer Dhawal Kulkarni and ambidextrous spinner Akshay Karnewar stood out for India B, taking three wickets each.

Dhawan delivered knowing the importance of the only 50-over domestic tournament to be played before the Champions Trophy in England. His 122-ball innings comprised 13 fours and three sixes.

It is an important tournament for Harbhajan Singh as well. He leaked 72 runs in the 10 overs he bowled on Saturday and failed to pick up a wicket.