Ranji Trophy 2014: Tripura recover to score 267 against Services; Kerala made easy work of Andhra Pradesh

Takawale stitched 107 runs with Abhijit Dey (33) for the fourth wicket from 36.5 overs to begin the repair. The duo showed contrasting batsmanship with Dey virtually grafting while Takawale scored the boundaries.

Dey took 122 balls to score his 33 while Takawale needed 112 balls for his 89, hitting 15 fours and a six in the process.

After Takawale’s departure, captain Rajesh Banik (49 not out) and Kaushal Acharjee (48) carried forward the good show by sharing 94 runs for the unbroken sixth wicket.

Banik has already hit nine fours in his 86-ball unbeaten innings while an equally aggressive Acherjee has also sent the ball past the boundary ropes nine times in his 90-ball unconquered innings.

For Services, Roshan Raj and Suraj Yadav grabbed two wickets apiece while Deepak Punia took a wicket.

Brief Scores: Tripura 1st Innings: 267 for 5 in 81 overs (Yogesh Takawale 89, Rajesh Banik 49 not out, Kaushal Acherjee 48 not out; Suraj Yadav 2/56, Roshan Ran 2/63).

Kerala bundle out Andhra Pradesh for 141

Kerala put up a spirited bowling effort to dismiss Andhra Pradesh for 141 and gain first innings lead in a Group C Ranji Trophy match on Monday.

Kerala, resuming day two on 206 for seven, went on to score 229 in their first innings before cleaning up Andhra for a paltry total. Nizar Niyas (3/42), U Manukrishnan (3/37) and Raiphi Gomez (2/27) took the bulk of the wickets for Kerala.

Home team skipper Mohammad Kaif (44) and AG Pradeep (53) were the only ones who showed some resistance in the middle.

Andhra lost wickets at regular intervals with batsmen failing to form substantial partnerships.

Earlier, Gomez (81) ended up being the leading-scorer for Kerala despite adding only seven runs to his overnight score.

Brief scores: Kerala 229 (Raiphi Gomez 81; D Shivkumar 3/51, CV Stephen 3/43) Andhra Pradesh 141 (Mohammad Kaif 44, AG Pradeep; Nizar Niyas 3/42, U Manukrishnan 3/37).