CK Nayudu Trophy: Nayanar, Raj set up Kerala's historic win

Varun Nayanar and pacer Pavan Raj played stellar roles in Kerala's first-ever win over Tamil Nadu in the CK Nayudu Trophy match at Krishnagiri Stadium, Wayanad, on Monday.

Nayanar followed up his first innings ton (113) with a delightful 112, while Raj claimed his second successive five-wicket haul (7/50) to finish with a match-haul of 13 wickets, helping the hosts crush Tamil Nadu by 199 runs.

When the match began on the final day, victory looked like a distant dream for Kerala. Resuming at 90/3, Kerala declared at 248/8 in 60 overs. Nayanar made the declaration possible with a blistering 112 (152 balls, 13x4, 1x6). Rohan Nair made a 70-ball 58.

Chasing 358 for victory, Tamil Nadu had the chance to bat out the last two sessions and force a draw. However, Raj ripped through their batting line-up with a devastating spell.

He claimed 7/50 from 12.5 overs, following his 6/49 in the first innings, to bundle out Tamil Nadu for 158. R Vimal Khumar (37) top-scored for the visitors but could not prevent the hosts from pulling off a sensational win.

Brief scores: Kerala 337 & 248/8 decl (Varun Nayanar 112, Rohan Nair 58, P Vignesh 4/58) vs Tamil Nadu 228 & 158 (R Vimal Khumar 62, Boopathi Vaishna Kumar 59; Pavan Raj 7/50, Akhin 2/38)


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