Hyderabad win by ten wickets

Hyderabad completed a ten wicket win over Himachal Pradesh at the end of the fourth day's play at the Gymkhana Ground, Secunderabad. The hosts, who had reduced Himachal to 175 for eight at the end of third day after putting up 403 in the first innings, managed to dislodge Nischal Gaur after the latter had put on a spirited resistance for the best part of 28 overs. They then rattled the 31 runs without much ado to seal a ten-wicket win and a place in the Ranji quarter-finals.

On the third day, Anirudh Singh (37) and Arjun Yadav (39) were the only two Hyderabadi batsmen who did anything of note. The home team's eventual total of 403, after they had resumed at 288 for five, though secured them a massive 211-run first innings lead.

When Himachal replied for the second time, the openers Sandeep Sharma and wicket-keeper Ravikanth Shrama provided a sound platform. The duo put on 78 runs before Sharma was out for a well-made 50. Off-spinner Jogram Singh, who snared him, went on to claim three more wickets. Later on, the other Hyderabad bowlers also joined the party. No.7 Gaur though proved a determined foe. He made 73 while holding fort for 129 balls. Shakti Singh, who made a rapid 31 off 22 balls, was the other batsman to score a few runs. Yadav, who ended with figures of 5 for 91 from 31 overs, was the most successful bowler for Hyderabad.