Cooch Behar Trophy: All-round Andhra crush Odisha by 253 runs
Ananthapur: Andhra wrapped up a dominant 253-run victory over Odisha on Day 3 of their Cooch Behar Trophy (U19) match at the Rayalaseema Cricket Ground here on Tuesday, completing a clinical performance across all three days of the contest.
Day three began with Andhra resuming their second innings at 46 for 2, already holding a first-innings lead of 157 runs. K Haneesh Veera Reddy anchored the innings with a well-constructed 77 off 103 balls, finding support from Paramever Singh, who added 35 from 63 deliveries. Andhra continued to pile on the pressure before declaring at 215 for 9 in 59 overs, setting Odisha a steep target of 373 for victory.
Odisha’s chase never took shape as they struggled against Andhra’s disciplined bowling attack. Arpit Mohanty attempted to hold the innings together with a gritty 43 off 95 balls, while Sarthiak S Prakash made 24 from 61 deliveries. But regular wickets derailed any prospects of a fightback. Andhra’s bowling unit, led by N Rajesh with figures of 4 for 46, maintained relentless pressure. Anv Lohith also chipped in with two wickets, ensuring Odisha were bowled out for just 120.
Earlier, after opting to bat first, Andhra finished strongly at 246 for 7 at stumps on Day 1. Lohith Lakshmi Narayana was the star performer, compiling a composed 101 off 229 balls, holding the innings together. Anv Lohith scored a fluent unbeaten 60 off 56 deliveries, accelerating the scoring rate late in the day. Odisha’s bowlers toiled throughout, with Raaz Yadav picking up 3 for 56 and Sambit K Beja claiming 2 for 52, but Andhra’s solid partnerships ensured they ended the opening day with the momentum firmly on their side.
Andhra continued to dominate on Day 2, extending their first-innings total to 282 before being bowled out. Odisha’s reply faltered early and they could never recover from the regular loss of wickets, eventually being dismissed for 124.
Subhasis Mallick top-scored with 40 off 130 deliveries, while Panakala Mokshit added 35, but the rest of the batting order failed to offer resistance. Andhra’s bowlers capitalised on the pressure, with Anv Lohith taking 4 for 37 and Siddu Karthik Reddy striking twice. Andhra tightened their grip further as Haneesh Veera Reddy (28*) guided his team to 46 for 2 at stumps on Day 2.
