Sorab hits unbeaten century in Kerala's fitting reply

Kerala opening batsman MP Sorab was in his elements on Saturday as he guided his team to make a fitting reply to Andhra's 355 at close of play on the second day of their three day match in the Coca Cola Trophy South Zone (under-25) tournament at the Maharaja Jayachamarajendra Wodeyar Sports complex in Bangalore. Unnerved by the challenging Andhra total, Kerala piled up 311 for five wickets at stumps with Sorab still going strong on 157.

Kerala were given an excellent start in the morning with Sorab and Varun Girilal putting on 188 runs for the first wicket off 56.3 overs. Girilal who batted a shade over four hours, faced 174 balls and hit nine fours and six. C Sanju (3) and skipper NA Kudua (5) did not last long and Kerala slid to 218 for three. But Sorab and KPK Nambiar (50) then added 89 runs for the fourth wicket off 21.2 overs. Nambiar, who dominated the partnership faced only 69 balls and hit six fours and a six. Nearing stumps, off spinner Vatekar who was the only Andhra bowler to be effective, bowled Nambiar and CM Shyam (0) in successive overs. But Sorab carried on till close of play and at the end he had batted 396 minutes, faced 296 balls and hit 22 fours. Vatekar finished with the impressive figures of four for 64 off 30 overs.