Ranji Trophy: Prasanth, Fernandez rescue Kerala after top-order collapse

Kereala rode on a fine century from middle-order batsman Padmanabhan Prasanth to take the vital first innings lead over Hyderabad on the second day of a Group C Ranji Trophy match, here today.

Hyderabad: Kerela rode on a fine century from middle-order batsman Padmanabhan Prasanth to take the vital first innings lead over Hyderabad on the second day of a Group C Ranji Trophy match, here today.

Resuming at 45 for three overnight in reply to Hyderabad`s 201, Prasanth (106), who retired hurt on four earlier in the day, joined hands with Robert Fernandez (78) to rescue Kerala with a 151-run eighth-wicket partnership. Kerala were struggling at 94 for seven at one stage, when Prasanth came out to bat once again and together with Fernandez played cautiously to get past Hyderabad`s total. Kerala were eventually bowled out for 264 in 83.4 overs with pacer Majeti Ravi Kiran (4/81) and Ashish Reddy (3/57) sharing the bulk of wickets between them. Prasanth`s century knock came off 197 balls and was studded with 12 boundaries and two sixes, while Fernandez struck seven fours and one six during his 199-ball innings. At the close of play, Hyderabad were 46 for one from 16 overs in their second innings with Hanuma Vihari unbeaten on 21 and Bavanaka Sandeep batting on 22. Skipper Akshath Reddy was the lone Hyderabad wicket to fall, bowled by Prasanth Parameswaran. Brief Scores: Hyderabad: 201 & 46 for one in 16 overs (Bavanaka Sandeep 22 batting, Hanuma Vihari 21 batting; Prasanth Parameswaran 1/13). Kerala: 264 all out in 83.4 overs (Padmanabhan Prasanth 106, Robert Fernandez 78; Majeti Ravi Kiran 4/81, Ashish Reddy 3/57).