CK Nayudu Trophy: Aman Rao’s fifty keeps Hyderabad in the hunt

Hyderabad: Odisha’s decision to bat first on a sporting surface at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium didn’t go entirely as planned, as they were bowled out for 159 in 52 overs. Hyderabad then ended the day at 109/4 in 32 overs, trailing by 50 runs with six wickets in hand at the Col CK Nayudu Trophy here on Thursday.

Odisha’s innings was built around contributions from P Sasanka (37 off 66) and Ayush K Barik (31 off 68). Both showed grit against a disciplined Hyderabad bowling attack but couldn’t convert their starts into big scores.

Hyderabad’s bowlers maintained control throughout the innings. Shashank M was the pick of the bowlers, delivering an excellent spell of 4 for 44 runs in 18 overs, including six maidens. He was well supported by Pranav Varma, who also claimed 4 wickets for 25 runs, ensuring Odisha were dismissed below the 160 mark.

In reply, Hyderabad had a mixed outing with the bat. Aman Rao played a patient and composed innings, remaining unbeaten on 55 off 91 balls (7 fours, 1 six). His innings provided the backbone for the home side’s reply.

Aravelly Avanish added quick runs with a brisk 20 off 16 balls (2 fours, 1 six), but wickets at regular intervals prevented Hyderabad from taking full control.

For Odisha, Ayush K Barik continued his fine all-round day, picking up 2 wickets for 31 runs in 7 overs. Ritesh Priyaranjan also impressed with a tidy spell, taking 1 for 17 in 8 overs.