Ranji Trophy match between Maharashtra, Hyderabad ends in dull draw

Hyderabad: Maharashtra and Hyderabad shared a point each after their Group C Ranji Trophy match ended in a dull draw that saw 1144 runs being scored over four days at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Uppal here.

In reply to Maharashtra`s mammoth 616 for nine declared, Hyderabad made 528 for seven, still trailing by 88 runs when stumps were drawn on the final day. Since the team batting in second innings wasn`t completed within the stipulated four days, both the sides got a point each according to the BCCI points system for Ranji Trophy. For Hyderabad, Syed Quadri (113 not out) hit a patient century while Akshath Reddy (86), Ravi Teja (98) and Hanuma Vihari (80) also helped the hosts to close in on visitors` total. Vihari, unbeaten on 39 overnight, started off well but fell short of his century by 20 runs when he was castled by Chirag Khurana. Hyderabad lost Amol Shinde for just two to left-arm spinner Akshay Darekar as the hosts slumped to 400 for six. But Quadri, the other overnight batsman, and Habib Ahmed (44) combined well and took the score past 450-mark. Medium pacer Samad Fallah returned to disturb the timbers of Ahmed. Qaudri found a perfect ally in next man-in, Mohammed Khader, and both shared an unconquered 68-run partnership for the eighth wicket. In the process, Quadri also completed his century laced with 13 fours and one six. For Maharashtra, Darekar was the pick of the bowlers with three for 149 while Khurana chipped in with two wickets. Brief scores: Maharashtra 1st innings: 616 for nine declared Hyderabad 1st innings: 528 for seven in 188 overs (Syed Quadri 113 not out, D Ravi Teja 98, Akshanth Reddy 86; Akshay Darekar 3/149).