VIRENDER SEHWAG’S quickfire century condemned Durham to a six-wicket defeat in their season curtain-raiser against the MCC in Abu Dhabi.
Former India opener Sehwag blasted 109 from 97 balls as the MCC chased down a victory target of 224 in 51 overs.
Samit Patel chipped in with an unbeaten 48 to ensure defending county champions Durham will head into their title defence with defeat. The MCC began the final day on 48 for two with Sehwag unbeaten on nine.
Overnight partner Daniel Bell- Drummond helped Sehwag take the score to 106 before the Kent right-hander offered a return catch to Scott Borthwick (two for 77).
The England leg-spinner was expensive thereafter, leaking over five runs an over, as Sehwag set about reeling in the victory target in quick time.
Sehwag fell 13 runs short of victory when he was caught off Jamie Harrison (two for 69), but the damage had already been done.
Durham begin the defence of their first division title away to newly-promoted Northamptonshire on April 13.
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