TN fall short 5 runs vs Haryana in an exciting contest

Chennai: Former champions Tamil Nadu came tantalisingly close to winning their second Ranji Trophy Elite Group match against Haryana as they fell short by just five runs.

After dismissing Haryana for 200 runs in their second essay in the 74th over of the day, Tamil Nadu needed to make 146 for victory in 13 overs but they ended on 141 for eight when stumps were drawn. Much of the credit for the chase should go to India discard Murali Vijay who hit five sixes in his 19-ball 42 before being run out. There were four run-outs in the innings. Former TN captain Dinesh Karthik also made a significant contribution scoring 55 off only 32 deliveries hitting two fours and three sixes in the process. Even as Haryana were looking to score a point to deny a win for the hosts, Tamil Nadu slipped up in the end. Earlier, medium pacer V Yo Mahesh (6/47) ripped through the middle-order after the Haryana openers Rahul Dewan (51) and Nitin Saini (54) kept the rival bowlers at bay for some time. Tamil Nadu with three points from this drawn match, now have five points from two outings, and Haryana have two from as many matches. Brief Scores: Haryana 348 & 200 (Rahul Dewan 51, Nitin Saini 54, V Yo Mahesh 6/47). Tamil Nadu 403 & 141/8 (Dinesh Karthik 55, M Vijay 42). Points: TN 3; Haryana 1. PTI