Challenger Trophy: Uthappa, Irfan guide India Blues to victory over India Red

Robin Uthappa and Irfan Pathan guided defending Champion India Blue to register a 49-runs victory over India Red in the opening match of the NKP Salve Challenger Trophy at the Barabati Stadium, Cuttack. India Blue won the toss and elected to bat first. They scored 235/9 in 50 overs, as Uthappa made 94 and Irfan 43. For India Red, Praveen, Balaji and Parmar took 2 wickets each.

Chasing a victory target of 236, India Red bowled out for 186 in 45.3 overs, despite a valiant knock of 89 by M. Vijay. Manoj Tiwari scored 45. Spinner Ashwin took 3 wickets. India Red will meet India Green in the next match today.