Hyderabad take 160-run lead as Tripura collapse in second innings

Debutant Ruthik Mende scored 61 as Hyderabad posted 294 to take a 160-run first-innings lead over Tripura in their Ranji Trophy Elite Group B match. Tripura struggled in their second innings, finishing day two at 99 for seven

Hyderabad: Hyderabad’s lower order, led by debutant Ruthik Mende (61, 150b, 5×4), helped the team take a significant 160-run lead over Tripura on the second day of their four-day Ranji Trophy Elite Group B match at Gymkhana Ground here on Monday.

In reply, Tripura were staring at the prospect of an innings defeat on the third day itself after finishing the day at a disappointing 99 for seven in 33 overs.

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Resuming at their overnight score of 121 for four, Hyderabad scored 294 in reply to Tripura’s first-innings total of 134.

The total was largely made possible by the efforts of Mende, Rahul Radesh (40, 119b, 1×4) and Chama Milind (40, 55b, 5×4, 2×6).

The other batters struggled against Sandip Sarkar, who returned impressive figures of 41.2-6-96-8 for the off-spinner.

Although Sandip quickly dismissed well-set overnight batter Tanmay Agarwal (54, 122b, 2×4) in the morning session, he received little support from the other end.

When Tripura began their second innings, an improved performance was expected, but that did not materialise. Left-arm spinner Tanay Thyagarajan (13-4-42-3) struck crucial blows to put the visitors on the back foot.

India fast bowler and Hyderabad captain Mohammed Siraj struck twice early, dismissing openers Bikramkumar Das (11) and Hrituraj Roy (5) to leave Tripura at 25 for two in 6.3 overs.

Hyderabad’s bowling attack then ensured there was little respite for the visitors, striking at regular intervals. Thyagarajan dismissed experienced campaigners Hanuma Vihari (1), Mandeep Singh (7) and captain Manisankar Murasingh (10), leaving Tripura in a precarious position at 43 for five.

Siraj and Thyagarajan received good support from the other bowlers as Hyderabad moved closer to victory.

Scores: Tripura 134 in 44 overs and 99/7 in 33 overs (Mohammed Siraj 2/19, Tanay Thyagarajan 3/42) vs Hyderabad 294 in 103.2 overs (Tanmay Agarwal 54, Ruthik Mende 61, Rahul Radesh 40, Chama Milind 40; Sandip Sarkar 8/96).