Andhra quickly in command

Andhra completely dominated the opening day's play in the South Zone Cooch Behar Trophy (under-19) tournament match against Kerala at the Ukku stadium in Vishakapatnam on Monday. After skittling out Kerala for 56 runs, Andhra replied with 164 for one wicket at stumps.

Opting to bat after winning the toss, Kerala struggled for 37 overs to compile their meagre total. Only NJ John (18) reached double digits. Three batsmen failed to score. Md Faiq was quite unplayable and finished with the excellent figures of 13-5-15-5. He was well supported by Appala Raju (two for 10) and Gnaneswara Rao (two for 9).

Kerala had the comfort of an early wicket when D Vinod was out for nine when the total was 27. But for the rest of the day, the other opener Tahir Hussain (79) and Gnaneswara Rao (61) batted confidently to register 137 runs for the unbroken second wicket partnership off 38.1 overs. While Hussain faced 175 balls and hit eight of them to the ropes, Rao faced 94 balls and hit six fours and a six. Andhra overhauled the Kerala total in 26.2 overs.