Maharashtra, Kerala reach quarters of Buchi Babu tournament

Chennai: Defending champions Maharashtra and runner-up Kerala advanced to the quarterfinals, along with six other state teams, in the All India Buchi Babu Memorial cricket tournament here today.

In the last eight stages two-day matches to be held on Monday after a day`s rest tomorrow, Orissa plays Mumbai, Baroda take on Maharashtra, Karnataka fights Tamil Nadu and Kerala meets Saurashtra. The match between Kerala and Gujarat ended without results as rain intervened during tea interval. At that stage Gujarat needed to reach the target in 78.5 overs to qualify for quarterfinals on net run rate but were denied of further play in the match. As first innings was incomplete both teams were awarded one point each. This ultimately denied a last eight stage berth for Gujarat. Replying to Kerala`s 387 for six in 90 overs, Gujarat were 387 for nine in 79.4 overs. PTI