Kirmani ton props up President's XI

KSCA teams were in a spot of bother on the opening day of their respective semifinals in the Dr (Capt) K Thimmappiah memorial cricket tournament at the Alur grounds here on Thursday.

KSCA President’s XI, barring Sadiq Kirmani (111) and Pavan Deshpande (51), came a cropper as they were bowled out for 214 in just 54.1 overs against National Cricket Academy. 

While Sadiq was in fine touch during his 158-ball stay where he cracked 15 boundaries and two sixes, none of the others, barring Deshpande, rose to the task as wickets kept tumbling at regular intervals.

The wrecker-in-chief for NCA was Veer Pratap Singh, the medium-pacer from Bengal grabbing five for 70. Deepak Chahar gave good support, taking 2/42. NCA replied positively, reaching 124/3 in 32 overs at stumps.

KSCA Colts too didn’t enjoy a great day in the office against Haryana CA, who rode on Sonu Rathi’s quickfire century to reach a promising 384/8 at stumps. Sonu was in his elements as he cracked a 117-ball 114 while Nithin Saini (52), Abhimanyu Kopdha (48), Sachin Rana (39), Jayanth Yadhav (48) and Kuldeep Hooda (38 batting) made useful contributions for Haryana.

Goutham K did well for the Colts, taking 3/22. Prasidhi Krishna took three wickets but gave away 87 runs while Suchith J grabbed 2/106.

Brief scores: KSCA President’s XI: 214 all out in 54.1 overs (Pavan Deshpande 51, Sadiq Kirmani 111; Deepak Chahar 2-42, Veer Pratap Singh 5-70) vs National Cricket Academy: 124/3 in 32 overs (Washington S 65, Chirag Khurana 33).

Haryana CA: 384/8 in 90 overs (Nithin Saini 52, Sonu Rathi 114, Abhimanyu Kopdha 48, Sachin Rana 39, Jayanth Yadhav 48, Kuldeep Hooda 38 n.o.; Prasidhi Krishna 3-87, Goutham K 3-22, Suchith J 2-106) vs KSCA Colts.