It was Maharashtra’s turn to whip a lackadaisical Hyderabad to stay in the hunt for a qualifying spot from Group ‘E’ to the super league of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy at the Air Force Complex ground here on Monday.
Having lost its previous three matches, Hyderabad's showed no sense
of purpose as Maharashtra recorded a crushing seven-wicket win to share the second spot with Services and Uttar Pradesh at 12 points.Not surprisingly, Uttarakhand (16) retained its lead at the top with an easy 37-run win over Tripura (0).
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In the day’s other matches, Services pulled off a second successive surprise win by beating Baroda (8) by seven wickets in a low-scoring match, while UP improved its qualifying prospects with a commanding 77-run win over Pondicherry (4).
Electing to bat first, Hyderabad failed to get off to a strong start and lost wickets at the top of the order. Opener Tanmay Agarwal (21 off 25 deliveries) could not capitalise after taking his time to settle down.
Akshath Reddy's early departure brought Ambati Rayudu to the crease and the latter once again failed to get going. He faced 22 deliveries to score 15. Maharashtra got rid of Rayudu and Agarwal in the space of two runs by the 10th over with just 46 on the board.
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xWhat followed was the only redeeming phase of Hyderabad innings, with top-scorer Rohit Rayudu (47 not out, 34b, 1x4, 2x6) and B. Sandeep (25, 23b, 1x4, 1x6) adding 47 runs. By the time this stand ended, Hyderabad was at 93 for four after 17 overs. Thereafter, barring Sandeep, none of the batsmen could get going.
Maharashtra bowlers were rewarded for their disciplined line of attack and gave very little away. As a result, Maharashtra batsmen made light of the modest target. Opener Ruturaj Gaikwad (54, 40b, 5x4, 1x6) and N. S. Shaikh (42 not out, 3x4, 2x6) played key knocks as the side won with plenty to spare.
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