Hyderabad picked up its second successive win with a 113-run defeat of Saurashtra in the Group D league of the Vijay Hazare Trophy at the Bengal Cricket Academy ground here on Sunday.
Akshath Reddy came up with the best innings of his domestic one-day career — a fine 154 — to help Hyderabad reach 312 for seven after electing to bat in its allotted 50 overs. Saurashtra was never able to challenge the big score on a sporting track as it folded up at 199 with 11.1 overs still to go.
Right decision
It was an improved batting performance by Hyderabad after the match against Jammu and Kashmir the previous day. The decision to promote wicketkeeper-batsman Sumanth Kolla to No. 3 proved right as he was involved in a good partnership with Akshath for the second wicket.
Hyderabad lost its other opener Tanmay Agarwal early after he edged one behind off former India left-arm pacer Jaydev Unadkat in the fifth over of the match.
Akshath and Sumanth scripted a 191-run partnership to ensure a huge total for Hyderabad that was beyond Saurashtra’s reach. Akshath remained the more expressive of the two and maintained a good strike rate to reach his century before accelerating to cross the 150-mark.
Aggression and poise
His 154 (132b, 14x4, 2x6) was a knock that spoke of maturity and class as he pieced together his innings with the right mix of aggression and poise. Sumanth, whose previous best was an unbeaten 63, made a patient 91 (106b, 4x4, 2x6), but was unfortunate in missing out on his first century as he suffered a pull in his right leg that forced him to retire hurt with the team’s score at 208.
When Saurashtra replied, young Prerak Mankad stood out with a belligerent 104 (88b, 14x4, 1x6). But, his lone crusade contrasted the lack of application among other teammates, who didn’t contribute much.
For Hyderabad, left-arm pacer C.V. Milind was the pick of the bowlers, with four-wicket haul.
The scores: Hyderabad 312 for seven in 50 overs (Akshath Reddy 154, Sumanth Kolla 91 retd. hurt, Kushang Patel three for 54) bt Saurashtra 199 in 38.5 overs (Prerak Mankad 104, Jaydev Shah 34, C.V. Milind four for 30).
