Sridhar spins President's XI to eight run victory

Hyderabad President's XI won a close battle against Karnataka by eight runs in the Moin ud Dowla Cup in Hyderabad on Friday. Played at the NFC ground, the result was inconsequential as India Cements had already qualified from this group to the semifinals. After posting 241/8, the President's XI saw off the Karnataka challenge for 233 in the 48th over.

Karnataka captain Anand Yalvigi won the toss and elected to field but a 99 run second wicket stand between Venugopal (57, 53 balls, 9 fours) and Anirudh Singh (64, 76 balls, 5 fours, 1 six) took the gloss off his decision. The two Yadav's, Arjun and Santosh also weighed in with meaty contributions, the latter remaining undefeated on 43. Yalvigi, Vadiaraj and Prajwal Raj all scalped two wickets each.

In reply Barrington Rowland made a useful 47 at the top of the order but left arm spinner R Sridhar broke the back of the middle order with 4/33. At 193/8, Karnataka looked down and out but KN Ramesh kept them in the hunt adding 40 in the company of the last two men. Seamer Mohd. Ghouse Baba removed the two tail enders to leave Ramesh high and dry on 44 (38 balls, 2 fours) as the match wended to a conclusion with 13 balls to spare.