Ranji Trophy: Sachin Baby hits double ton as Kerala take big lead

Wayanad: Skipper Sachin Baby led from the front with an unbeaten double century as Kerala took a big first-innings lead of 177 runs in their Group C Ranji Trophy cricket match against Hyderabad here today.

Replying to Hyderabad's 270 all out, Kerala rode on Baby's monumental 200, which came off 361 balls, to take control of the match at the Krishnagiri Stadium.

Kerala declared their innings at 447 for seven in 158 overs.

Needing another 173 runs to make the hosts bat again, Hyderabad were four for no loss in two overs at stumps on the third and penultimate day.

During his knock, which had 17 hits to the fence along the ground and three sixes, the 25-year-old Baby shared 183 runs for the seventh wicket with K S Monish (61) and then another unbroken 114 runs for the eighth wicket with Unnikrishnan Manukrishnan (32 not out), helping the hosts to a position of strength.

Kerala resumed their innings at overnight 179 for six with Baby and Monish batting on 41 and 3 respectively.

Ashish Reddy was the best Hyderabad bowler, returning figures of 3/76, while Ravi Kiran picked up 2/89.

Brief scores:

Hyderabad: 270 and 4/0 in 2 overs

Kerala 1st innings: 447/7 in 158 overs (Sachin Baby 200 not out, K S Monish 61; Ashish Reddy 3/76).