KN Bharath and Nischal D slammed big tons to help Karnataka take the vital first innings lead in their drawn encounter with Andhra in the inter-zone U-13 cricket tournament at the IAF ground here on Monday.
On the final and third day of the match, Karnataka, resuming at their overnight 113 for two in pursuit of Andhra’s 303, finished their first innings at 401 all out in 139 overs, eking out a 98-run lead. Nischal, batting on 66 on Sunday, went on to complete a century (140, 298b, 16x4). Bharath, too, joined in the run fest, falling on the brink of a well-deserved double ton. The youngster struck a magnificent 197 off 395 balls with the help of 25 hits to the fence.
Despite piling up a massive 499, Kerala bowlers couldn’t prevent Hyderabad batsmen from running away with the crucial first innings lead. Hyderabad, who were 212 for two, fiinished the final day’s proceedings at 520 for six in 139 overs. While overnight centurion added just one run to his total B Anirudh (107), his team-mates Vishal Jude Philip (151 n.o.) and Chaitanya Krishna (100 n.o.) cut all escape routes to Kerala. 
Brief scores: At IAF: Andhra: 303 drew with Karnataka: 401 all out in 139 overs (Nischal D 140, KN Bharath 197; Naren Reddy 4-89, M Saleem Baig 2-94).
At JIRS: Kerala: 499 all out in 130.2 overs drew with Hyderabad: 520/6 in 139 overs (Anirudh B 107, Vishal Jude Philip 151 n.o., Chaitanya Krishna 100 n.o.; Arun Narayana 3-34; Md Anzal 2-104).
At RWF: Tamil Nadu: 134 and 356/5 in 87 overs (M Adityan 200 n.o., B Sai Rupresh 50, Sharukhan 62; Vikas Shetty 3-79, Sherman Vaz 2-83) drew with Goa: 269 all out in 116.5 overs (Srinivas 139 n.o.; M Sharukhkhan 9-93).