Watson, Rahane hit tons as warm-up game ends in a draw

Shane Watson and Ajinkaya Rahane struck brilliant tons and speedster Ben Hilfenhaus earned a five-wicket haul as the three-day warm-up game between Australia and the Board President's XI ended in a draw at Sector 16 cricket stadium here today.
Chasing a virtually unachievable target of 516 runs in 40 odd overs, BP XI made 174 without losing wickets, a much better performance after their first innings batting collapse.
While opener Shikhar Dhawan (5) retired hurt after a rising delivery by Hilfenhaus hit him close to his ear, 22-year-old right-handed Rahane reached his century in just 103 balls. The opener's unbeaten knock of 113 was studded with 18 boundaries and a six.
Saurashtra batsman Cheteshwar Pujara, who has been included in the Test squad, batted with patience in the second innings and consumed 102 balls for his 52 that included nine hits to the fence.
Batting first, Australia made 505 in their first innings, mainly due to the brilliant tons struck by openers Shane Watson (115) and Simon Katich (104) followed by a dazzling knock by Marcus North (124).
Resuming at 143 for six, Board President could only add 34 runs before being bowled out for 177, giving Aussies a huge 328 first innings lead.