Assam pocket three points in a dull draw

Malappuram: Assam earned three points on the basis of the first innings lead against Kerala after their Ranji Trophy Group C match ended in a dull draw on the fourth and final day here today.

After bundling out Kerala for 264 in their first innings, Assam scored 286 all out to take a 22-run lead. In their second innings, the hosts declared at 294 for five before the visitors, chasing 273 for victory, finished at 201 for six when stumps were drawn on day four. Starting the day on 168 for one, both Kerala`s overnight batsmen -- Abhishek Hegde, who was unbeaten on 74, and VA Jagadeesh, resuming on 92 -- scored centuries each. Hedge hit a 207-ball 129, studded with 11 fours and a six, while Jagadeesh scored 127 runs off 215 balls with the help of 11 hits to the fence and two sixes. Assam opener Pallavkumar Das top scored with an unbeaten 92 in the second innings, while Gokul Sharma chipped in with 45. For Kerala, KR Sreejith was the pick of the wickets with figures of five for 75. Brief scores: Kerala: 264 & 294 for five in 75 overs (Abhishek Hegde 129, VA Jagadeesh 127; Gokul Sharma 2/52). Assam: 286 & 201 for six in 65 overs (Pallavkumar Das not out 92, Gokul Sharma 45; KR Sreejith 5/75). PTI