There were a few good performances in the opening match of the Challenger Series match between India Seniors and India A at the MA Chidambaram stadium on Monday. VVS Laxman scored a stylish 78 off 72 balls to give some substance to the India Seniors batting. Then Hemang Badani's splendid unbeaten 64 off 58 balls helped India Seniors to finish with a competitive total. But in the final analysis, it was the showing of Ajit Agarkar that tilted the scales in India A's favour. The Indian all rounder may be slightly built but he is stout hearted. And he displayed why he is among the leading utility players in the country today with a splendid all round display.

The bits and pieces player has a major role to play in the one day game and Agarkar's impact was witnessed early. With the first ball of his second over he had skipper Sourav Ganguly caught by Mongia for nought. It was a vital early break for Ganguly is capable of tearing any attack to shreds.

There were no further successes for Agarkar in his first spell but he came back for his second spell at a crucial juncture. Laxman had steered India Seniors to a position from which they could take off to register a challenging total. India Seniors were 165 for five in the 31st over with Laxman going great guns. At this stage Agarkar had the prolific run getter caught by Kanitkar. And finally he ended a troublesome eighth wicket partnership of 55 between Badani and Zaheer Khan by bowling the latter in the penultimate over of the innings.

With figures of three for 47 off ten overs, Agarkar had done a commendable job. But his role in the game was not yet over. India A did not find the going all that easy against some accurate bowling and when Agarkar joined Nayan Mongia for the seventh wicket, the target was 44 runs off 40 balls. The match had reached a decisive stage but Agarkar made light of what seemed to be a tough target. He quickly hit 19 off as many deliveries, striking the ball with gay abandon despite the ticklish situation. His three boundary hits did a lot to ease India A's target which was achieved with 2.1 overs to spare.