Andhra pile massive total

K S Bharat struck a fine double century as Andhra Cricket Association built a huge total against KSCA XI in the semifinal of the Dr (Capt) K Thimmappiah memorial cricket tournament at Alur (1) ground here on Thursday.

Resuming on their overnight score of 145 for 2, Andhra piled 442 for four in 142 overs at stumps on the second day.

Bharat, who was batting on 78 at the end of day one, went from strength to strength to compile 209 off 452 balls in an innings that was studded with 26 fours and two sixes.

Bharat joined forces with centurion Sumanth (116 not out) to add 257 runs for the fifth-wicket as Andhra consolidated their position.

In the other semifinal, Bhargav Merai (130) and Rujul Bhatt (115) struck tons for Gujarat Cricket Association against Cricket Association of Bengal at Alur (2) ground.
The duo shared a fourth-wicket partnership of 207 runs as Gujarat ended at 369 for eight in 117.5 overs at stumps.

For Bengal, Aamir Gani was the top wicket-taker with figures of four for 56.

Brief scores: At Alur (1): Andhra Cricket Association: 442/4 in 142 overs (KS Bharat 209, Ricky Bhui 28, Sumanth 116 n.o.; Prasidh M Krishna 2-94, Harish Kumar R 2-42) vs KSCA XI.

At Alur (2): Gujarat Cricket Association: 369/8 in 117.5 overs (Bhargav Merai 130, Rujul Bhatt 115; Pradipta Pramanik 2-67, Aamir Gani 4-56) vs Cricket Association of Bengal.