Date:17/11/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/11/17/stories/2007111761512000.htm

Sport - Cricket

Andhra wards off Tamil Nadu’s bid

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Siva Koteswar Rao’s defiant half-century was instrumental in Andhra warding off Tamil Nadu’s quest for a win in the South Zone Polly Umrigar Trophy under-15 cricket tournament at the LNCPE ground here on Friday.

Andhra, which conceded a first innings lead of 18 runs, started the day at 27 for two and was in danger of losing the tie after losing wickets at regular intervals. But Rao and Murali Krishna held the innings together and managed to frustrate the Tamil Nadu bowlers with their cautious knocks.

Kerala also managed to hold on to a draw against Karnakata at the Medical College ground. Kerala, after conceding a first innings lead of 165 runs, ended the day at 134 for three in 57 overs with Navneet Jose hitting a half-century (52). Karnataka, for its first innings lead, took three points from this tie.

The scores: Andhra 154 & 160 for eight in 98 overs (Siva Koteshwar Rao 51, Murali Krishna 32, Aushik Sreenivasan three for 33) drew with Tamil Nadu 172.

Kerala 210 & 134 for three in 57 overs (Navneet Jose 52, Abhishek Mohan 32, Arjun Kishore 31 no) drew with Karnataka 375 for 9 decl in 103 overs (Shreyesh Gopal 96, Aman Raj 92, Vishnu Kanth 49 no).