Karnataka slump; Andhra, Kerala well placed

Hyderabad, Oct 23 (UNI) Karnataka slumped to 159 for seven in reply to Tamil Nadu's first innings score of 411 for eight declared in the South Zone Under-22 cricket tournament for P Ramachandra Rao trophy here today.

In the other matches, Andhra gained the upper hand over hosts Hyderabad while Kerala were in the driver's seat against Goa.

For Tamil Nadu who declared their first innings at 411/8 in 118.2 overs, Suresh Kumar (81, 155 balls, 11x4, 2x6) and R Naresh (73, 97 balls, 5x4) were the main scorers. For Karnataka Darshan captured five wickets for 94 runs. Later, Tamil Nadu bowlers Yomahesh (4/59) and R Ashwin (2/41) ran through the batting of Karnataka as they lost seven wickets for 159 at the end of the day's play. Pawan (44, 104 balls, 6x4) and Dhiman (44, 53 balls, 8x4) were the main scorers for Karnataka.

Kerala declared their first innings at 323 for the loss of nine wickets off 96 overs. Abhishek Hegde (72), Sambasiva Sarma (58), Fernandez (51), Prem (37) were the main scorers. Sher Bahadur (5/79) and Kashinath Chari (3/103) were the pick of the Goa bowlers. Goa replied with 44 without loss in 23 overs. Rupesh and Asnodkar were batting on 29 and 15, respectively.

Andhra gained upperhand afer scoring 330 for the loss of five wickets against Hyderabad in 102 overs. A.G.Pradeep cracked an unbeaten century (152 n.o.,315 minutes, 218 balls, 17x4, 1x6), while B Sumanth (71, 99 balls, 11x4) and V Sandeep (67, 180 balls, 6x4) were the other main scorers. For Hyderabad M P Arjun took 2 for 63 and Niranjan 2 for 23.

Hyderbad were 12 without losing any wicket in ten overs, in reply.

Brief scores: Hyderbad 172 and 12-0, Andhra 330/5 decl.

Goa 94 and 44 for no loss, Kerala 323/9 decl.

Tamil Nadu 411/8 decl. Karnataka 159/7 in 54.4 overs.

UNI XR VV AY KP2046