Ranji Trophy: Kerala seize the initiative against Jharkhand

KOCHI: Kerala took control of their Ranji Trophy Group B fixture against Jharkhand at the Greenfield Stadium, Thiruvanathapuram, by grabbing the vital first innings lead on Saturday. After bowling out Jharkhand for a meagre 202 in their first innings, Kerala were 250/8 at stumps on day two, a lead of 48 runs over their opponents. Jharkhand off spinner Sunny Gupta, with a six-wicket haul (6/94), put pressure on Kerala batsmen but hosts rode on young wicketkeeper batsman Mohammed Azharuddeen's (51) half-century and all-rounder Jalaj Saxena's unbeaten 47 to cross the 250-mark in their first essay.

Earlier in the morning, Jharkhand could add just two runs to their overnight total as they lost their last wicket when Gupta was trapped by pacer Sandeep Warrier for 24.

Kerala were off to a bad start as they lost opener P Rahul (7) in the 12th over. Import from Tamil Nadu KB Arun Karthick, who is playing his maiden season for Kerala, started well but walked back to pavilion when the team total was 39. Karthick was caught by Kaushal Singh off Gupta. Former skippers Rohan Prem (19), Sanju Samson (11) and captain Sachin Baby (17) failed to convert their starts and at 120/5 the match was in the balance. But with decent contributions from Akshay Chandran (23) and KS Monish (18) in the lower order, Saxena helped Kerala seize the initiative.

Brief scores: Jharkhand (1st innings): 202 all out 73.2 overs (I Kishan 45, S Gupta 24; J Saxena 6/50) vs Kerala 250/8 in 86 overs (M Azharuddeen 51, J Saxena batting 47; S Gupta 6/94).

Seven-wicket win for Hyderabad

Hyderabad U-19 registered a convincing seven-wicket victory over Kerala U-19 in the Vinoo Mankad Trophy U-19 one day limited overs zonal league 2017-18 at Alur Cricket Stadium, Alur on Saturday. Batting first after winning the toss, Kerala could make just 188/9 in their 50 overs thanks to Akhil Scaria's unbeaten 61. In reply, Hyderabad colts' opener N Thakur Tilak Varma (79) and A

Varun Goud

(72 not out) played sensibly to guide them to victory in the 44th over. For Kerala TS Vinil bagged two wickets (2/29).

Brief scores: Kerala U-19 188/9 in 50 overs (A Scaria 61 not out; AD Goud 3/40) lost to Hyderabad U-19 192/3 in 44 overs (N Thakur Tilak Varma 79, AV Goud not out 72; TS Vinil 2/29) by seven wickets.