Kerala dismissed on first day

Kerala were dismissed on the first day of the South Zone Ranji Trophy match by Tamil Nadu at the Nehru Stadium, Kochi for 206 in 77.1 overs.

Kerala openers approached their innings with caution in the first hour of play. A fine spell of legspin from Balaji Rao had both openers V Girilal (14) and MP Sorab (17) back in the pavilion with 49 runs on the board. S Mahesh forged a middle order collapse bagging three wickets for 22 runs. CP Menon (49) put up a bold fight but succumbed to accurate bowling by Mahesh, edging to keeper Reuben Paul. Wicketkeeper VB Kamaruddin (42) displayed a fighting innings in the late order but was latched at first slip by Robin Singh off Balaji Rao. Rao returned with figures of three wickets for 55.

In reply, Tamil Nadu openers, S Badrinath (12) and Rajat Bhatia (3) returned unbeaten having played ten overs. Tamil Nadu were 17 for no loss and trail by 189 runs with 10 wickets remaining in the 1st innings .

Tamil Nadu have 21 points and Kerala with 18 points from their four matches so far. The former stand second and the latter third in the table.

Day 2: Tamil Nadu-Kerala game rained out

The second day of the South Zone Ranji Trophy match between Tamil Nadu and Kerala at Kochi has been called off due to rains. The umpires RP Singh and RK Seth made four inspections during the day and decided to call off play at 3.30 pm. Tamil Nadu were at 17 for no loss at the end of the first day, chasing Kerela's total of 206.