Hyderabad: Hyderabad drew their Col C. K. Nayudu Trophy U-23 Plate division semifinal match against Saurashtra to qualify for the all-India quarterfinal on Sunday. On the final day of the match played at the Gymkhana ground here on Sunday, the hosts checked all the boxes and thereby qualified for the Elite group next year. Resuming the fourth day at their overnight score of 271/5, Saurashtra added 191 runs before being bowled out for 462 in the 138th over. Parth Chouhan (50), Yash Parekh (73) and Yuvraj Chudasama (73) scored half-centuries for the visitors. Y. Shravan (3/47), Kartikeya Kak (4/93) were the top bowlers for the jubilant hosts.
In the second innings, Hyderabad were 120 for 2 when the stumps were drawn. K. Nithesh Reddy (55), Chandan Sahani (57 n.o) scored half-centuries for home side who advanced to the knockouts by the virtue of first innings lead and have been promoted to the Elite group. The Hyderabad Cricket Association’s president and members of the Apex Council congratulated the Hyderabad U-23 side for their fine show and announced a cash reward of Rs 50,000 to each member of the team.
Brief scores (day-4): Hyderabad 664 & 120/2 in 21.5 Overs (K. Nitesh Reddy 55, Chandan Sahani 57, Chetan Sakariya 1/13, Yuvraj Chudasama 1/29) drew with Saurathtra 462 in 137.5 overs (Parth Chouhan 50, Yash Parekh 73, Yuvraj Chudasama 73, Y. Shravan Kumar 3/47, Kartikeya Kak 4/93, Pabba Nilesh 1/59, Tanay Thyagarajan 1/136).
