Andhra consolidates position against Himachal

Nadaun: Amol Muzumdar (89) and Bodapati Sumanth (73) scored unbeaten half-centuries to lead Andhra Pradesh to a healthy 288-run lead against Himachal Pradesh in their Group C Ranji Trophy match here today.

Himachal lost five wickets for just 41 runs to be all out for 265 after beginning the day at 224 for five in response to Andhra`s first innings total of 372. Andhra` second innings did not start well as they lost three wickets for just 18 runs with Rishi Dhawan bowling a fiery spell at Atal Bihari Vajpayee Stadium. But Muzumdar and Sumanth lifted the side to 181 for three at the end of day. The duo put on 163 runs for the unfinished fourth wicket. Brief Scores: Andhra 372 and 181/3 in 69 overs.((B Sumanth 73 batting, A Muzumdar 89 batting; R Dhawan 3/53) Himachal Pradesh 1st innings: 265 all out. PTI