On song: Radhakrishnan’s unbeaten 73 helped President’s XI reach 142 for one.
| Photo Credit: B. JOTHI RAMALINGAM
On an attritional day, openers S. Radhakrishnan and R. Vimal Khumar stitched together a resolute 127-run stand to put TNCA President’s XI in a good position against Hyderabad on day two of the Buchi Babu tournament final at the CSK-HPC ground on Sunday.
In response to the visitors’ first-innings total of 376, the Tamil Nadu side finished the day on 142 for one, still 234 runs adrift at the halfway stage of the match.
It was a fine battle between the two teams, as the Hyderabad bowlers — mostly its spinners — kept asking probing questions, and the openers were equally adept at keeping the visitors at bay.
The duo was rock solid in defence and soaked up pressure just as the pitch started to show signs of wearing.
There were only eight boundaries in the 61 overs for the hosts, and the two batters were largely risk-averse, preferring to nudge the ball around the field, with Radhakrishnan collecting 15 doubles.
Vimal, who made a century in the semifinals, continued his good form and executed some classical cover drives, leaning fully into the delivery and piercing the in-field.
Hyderabad finally got a breakthrough when off-spinner Rohith Rayudu had Vimal caught behind as the batter miscued a cut shot.
Earlier, the TN bowlers, led by left-arm spinner P. Vidyuth, ensured Hyderabad did not get away to an imposing total by dismissing the reigning champion before lunch.
Despite the lethargic scoring rate, TN coach M. Senthilnathan was pleased with his batters’ efforts. “They showed great application, and we still have two more days. I will take 142 for one than 180 for three,” Senthilnathan said.
The scores: Hyderabad 376 in 115.4 overs (Hima Teja 97, Varun Goud 67, P. Vidyuth 4/104) vs TNCA President’s XI 142/1 in 61 overs (S. Radhakrishnan 73 batting, R. Vimal Khumar 54).
Published – September 07, 2025 07:48 pm IST
