THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The result of Kerala’s Elite B match against Andhra was a foregone conclusion going into the final day at St.Xavier’s College Ground, Thumba on Thursday. The only real interest was whether Kerala can achieve a victory with a bonus point. A 10-wicket win would have given the hosts that extra point but they couldn’t manage it as Kerala lost opener KB Arun Karthick’s (16) wicket before knocking off the 42 runs required for victory.
The comprehensive nine-wicket victory, however, would give the team the much-needed impetus before they travel to Kolkata for their first away game this season against Bengal.
Jalaj Saxena’s single-handed brilliance both with the bat and the ball was instrumental in Kerala’s maiden victory this season. But it also points to the fact that the rest of the players will need to raise the bar when Kerala come up against tougher opponents both at home and away.
On the final day, Kerala needed just about thirty minutes to take the final two Andhra wickets, with Jalaj Saxena and KC Akshay claiming one each, to skittle the rivals out for 115. Saxena finished with his career-best figures of 8/45 from 21.3 overs. But Saxena wasn’t done yet. The centurion in the first innings, Saxena, strode out to the wicket to open the Kerala innings and took the hosts to victory in 13 overs. He remained unbeaten on 19 while Rohan Prem was not out on eight.
Kerala coach Dave Whatmore, who guided Kerala to quarterfinals in the last season, was a happy man after the much-needed win. “It’s a good win and we are happy with the effort. Though we lost wickets at regular intervals after a good start in the first essay, 328 was a decent score. The 74-run lead was crucial. We put pressure on them and that helped us win this game convincingly,” the coach said after the match.
Kerala skipper
Sachin Baby lauded all-rounder Saxena for his outstanding show. “Saxena is such a quality player. He has been consistent with both bat and ball. Saxena’s work ethic is brilliant. We are lucky to have such a great player in our side. We hope to continue our good show against Bengal too,” the captain said.
KCA rewards Saxena with Rs 1 lakhIn a rare gesture, the Kerala Cricket Association (KCA) decided to reward Jalaj Saxena for his outstanding all-round effort with a cash prize of Rs one lakh rupees.
Vinod Kumar in squadKCA has included all-rounder Vinod Kumar, who made his first-class debut for Kerala during the 2016-17
Ranji Trophy season, as an additional member to the squad that will take on Bengal at the Eden Garden, Kolkata on Tuesday.
Scoreboard: Andhra (1st innings) 254.
Kerala (1st innings) 328.
Andhra (2nd innings; Overnight 102/8) R Bhui c B Thampi b KC Akshay 32, A Bandaru not out 10, P Vijay Kumar st S Samson b J Saxena 0. Extras (B-6, LB-2) 8. Total ( All out; 51.3 overs) 115. FoW: 1/21, 2/26, 3/29, 4/34, 5/51, 6/61, 7/84, 8/90, 9/108, 10/115. Bowling: S Warrier 5-2-7-0, B Thampi 4-0-15-0, J Saxena 21.3-2-45-8, KC Akshay 17-2-36-2, A Chandran 4-2-4-0.
Kerala (2nd innings): KB Arun Karthick b M Golamaru 16, J Saxena not out 19, R Prem not out 8. Extras 0. Total (1 wicket; 13 overs 43). FoW: 1/25. Bowling: SM Khan 5-0-18-0, M Golamaru 6-1-24-1, DB Prashanth Kumar 2-1-1-0.
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