Dhiman bowls Karnataka to innings victory

Karnataka scored an innings and 44 run victory over Hyderabad in their South Zone Under-14 tournament match at the RSI Grounds in Bangalore on the third and final day today. Karnataka earned eight points from this outright win.

Following on 196 runs behind, Hyderabad at stumps on the second day were tottering at 14 for 4 in 8.5 overs. Resuming on the third day, Hyderabad's innings prolonged for a further 62 overs in which they scored 152 runs. Aaron Paul (44) waged a lone battle early in the day adding 40 runs for the fifth wicket in 18.1 overs with A Shah (19). Then Paul forged a 45 run stand in 28 overs with Andrew (35). Thereafter, Karnataka's Gaurav Dhiman (7 for 45) ran through the side.

Earlier, in their first innings, Hyderabad were bundled out for just 135 runs. It was Aaron Paul (51) who held the Hyderabad innings together. Only two other batsmen, opener Balakrishna (23) and wicketkeeper L Baba (24) managed to reach the double figures. Amit Varma (5 for 33) was the most successful bowler for Karnataka.

On the opening day, opting to bat, Karnataka piled up 331 runs. The total was enhanced by three good partnerships in the middle order. Cheluvaraj (49) and S Ganesh (42) added 58 runs for the third wicket in 19.2 overs. After the fall of Cheluvaraj, Ganesh forged a 59 run partnership with T Harsha (46) in 20 overs. Then K Vinayak (27) and G Dhiman (46) added 62 runs for the sixth wicket in 19.1 overs.