Hyderabad in commanding position against Baroda

Panchkula, Dec 3 (UNI) Good knocks by Abhinav Kumar (76, 14x4s) and unbeaten 66 by PS Niranjan put Hyderabad in a sound position against Baroda in the quarterfinal match of All India Inter Zonal Knock out (under-22) Cricket Tournament here today.

At close of play, Hyderabad were 276 for 5 in their first innings in reply to Orissa's first innings total of 192 all out.

Resuming at the overnight score of 57 for 2, the Hyderabadi batsmen stepped in with positive approach right from the word go this morning. Abhinav and Rushi Raj not only deprived the Baroda bowlers any wicket in the first hour but also scored at a brisk rate, scoring at almost four runs per over and at lunch the scoreboard read 181 for 3.

Rushi Raj made 36 off just 57 balls, which included 2 sixes off left arm spinner Nishant Mehta. Abhinav Kumar on the other end executed beautiful stroke play in the covers and mid-off region in particular as most of the boundaries came through this area while driving on the front foot.

Rushi Raj gifted the wicket while stepping out in another attempt of lifting the ball over the fence but was beaten in the air as the wicketkeeper did the rest after the batsman has scored 36 runs.

P S Niranjan joined Abhinav and both were involved in 101 runs partnership for fourth wicket. With the score at 203 just before tea Abhinav played all over a well flighted delivery from right arm off spinner Rakesh Solanki and was trapped in front of stumps for his well made 76. Thereafter PS Niranjan took charge. At stumps he was unbeaten at 66 off 211 balls with Amul Shinde on 19.

The play was called off 20 minutes earlier due to bad light with the score at 276 for 5 after 83 overs for the day have been bowled.

Hyderabad are now sure of a semi-final berth having first innings lead of 84 runs with 5 wickets in hand.

Brief scores: Baroda Ist Innings 192 all out Hyderabad Ist innings 276 for 5 (Ronald Rodrigues 21, Abhinav Kumar 76, Rushi Raj 36, PS Niranjan 66 not out, Mohd Shakir 24, Amul Shinde 19 not out).

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