Hyderabad: Kerala held the advantage, albeit a slender one, after they bowled hosts Hyderabad out for only 201 on the first day of their final Group ‘C’ Ranji Trophy match at the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium in Hyderabad on Monday.
Medium-pacer Sandeep Warrier was the star for the visitors with 5 for 38.
However, by stumps, Kerala were precariously placed at 45 for 3. A lot would depend on overnight batsmen Robert Fernandez (batting on 14) and captain Sachin Baby (batting on 7).
If the duo negotiate the opening hour’s play on Tuesday without incident, then Kerala stand a chance of not only taking a first innings lead, but also of stamping their authority on the match.
Put in to bat first, Hyderabad lost an early wicket When Ravi Teja was dismissed by Nizar Niyas for 23.
That triggered a collapse as the hosts lost five further wickets over the next 42 runs. Ashish Reddy and Habeeb Ahmed then steadied the rocking ship with a level-headed 78 run-stand before Ashish departed for 55. The tail resisted briefly, adding 45 runs before folding for 201.
Whatever thoughts Kerala entertained of dominating proceedings evaporated off the seventh delivery of the innings when Ravi Kiran removed Jagadeesh. Left-armer pacer Anwar Khan then, struck twice, dismissing V.A. Jagadeesh and Rohan Prem.
Karnataka bowl Delhi out for 202
Karnataka bowl Delhi out for 202
Delhi: Delhi batsmen gave a poor account of themselves as they were shot out for a paltry 202 in their first innings against table toppers Karnataka in the crucial final Group A league encounter at the Feroze Shah Kotla, here on Monday.
Despite a blazing opening partnership of 51 runs in which Virender Sehwag, opening for the first time this season contributed 32, Delhi batsmen didn’t show the required patience to stay on a slow wicket.
Most of the Delhi batsmen played bad shots to throw away their wickets. Skipper Gautam Gambhir (54) got set playing 111 deliveries before a poor shot selection brought about his downfall.
