Kolkata, Dec 3 (PTI) Iconic former India captain Sourav Ganguly's trademark offside drives and step-out shots were on full display once again but his team, BCCI President's XI fell short by one run against Jay Shah-led Secretary's XI in an exhibition match here on Friday.

The 15-overs-a-side match at the Eden Gardens, held on the eve of the Board's AGM, had its share of nostalgia.

Also Read | Asia Youth Paralympic Games 2021: Kashish Lakra Wins Gold in Club Throw as India Bags Three Medals.

Playing the role of a finisher, Ganguly, who batted at No. 6, smashed two sixes and four boundaries en route to a 20-ball 35. He had to retire -- as per the rules of the match -- and his team fell short by just a run.

At Ganguly's home ground, it was the BCCI secretary Shah who did the star turn, picking 3/58 with his seven overs of spin bowling to defend 128 on a nippy December evening.

Also Read | India vs New Zealand 2nd Test 2021 Day 1 Stat Highlights: Mayank Agarwal Scores Fourth Century; Virat Kohli Sets Unwanted Records.

His wickets included that of Mohammad Azharuddin, one of Eden's favourites, who was trapped lbw for 2. Shah also dismissed Suraj Lotlikar of Goa Cricket Association.

There was a third blow, without any addition to the total, in the first ball of the next over when Cricket Association of Bengal president Avishek Dalmiya, who opened the batting, was run out for 13.

Then came the city's favourite son Ganguly who batted with his usual elegance as he drove and cut on the off-side and sent two balls out of the ground with his trademark step- out shots to race to 35.

Earlier, electing to bat, BCCI Secretary's XI rode on a 92-run partnership between Arun Dhumal (36) and Jaydev Shah (40) to post 128 for three in the stipulated overs.

Azharuddin and Ganguly shared the new ball and bowled 10 overs between them.

Ganguly returned with 1/19 from his 3 overs, taking the wicket of Pranav Amin, while Azharuddin had figures of 2-0-8-0.

Brief scores:

BCCI Secretary's XI: 128/3 in 15 overs (Jaydev Shah 40 retired, Arun Dhumal 36, Jay Shah 10 not out; Sourav Ganguly 1/19) beat BCCI President's XI 127/5; 15 overs (Sourav Ganguly 35 retired, Mohammad Azharuddin 2, Avishek Dalmiya 13; Jay Shah 3/58) by one run.

(The above story is verified and authored by Press Trust of India (PTI) staff. PTI, India’s premier news agency, employs more than 400 journalists and 500 stringers to cover almost every district and small town in India.. The views appearing in the above post do not reflect the opinions of LatestLY)