Kerala batsmen thwart Andhra victory bid

Andhra made a gallant bid to register an outright victory in their South Zone Vijay Merchant Trophy (under-16) match against Kerala which concluded at Calicut on Wednesday. But the home team thwarted the victory bid by some defiant batting.

Resuming at 259 for five, Andhra were all out for 286 to obtain a first innings lead of 88 runs. Opener Srinivasa Rao, 97 overnight, duly completed his century and was last out for 113. He batted 385 minutes, faced 291 balls and hit 12 fours. Opening bowler NJ John was the most successful bowler with five for 81. Kerala lost three wickets in wiping off the deficit but the batsmen generally held firm even as Sri Vardha was taking wickets at regular intervals. When stumps were finally drawn, Kerala were 148 for eight off 81 overs with Sri Vardha finishing with five for 56 off 26 overs.