Ranji Trophy 2013-14: Prasanth Kumar’s ton helps Andhra Pradesh cross 200 against Himachal Pradesh

Kumar ton puts Andhra Pradesh in command

Visakhapatnam: Dec 14, 2013

Opener Prasanth Kumar cracked an unbeaten 113 to help Andhra Pradesh reach 224 for four against Himachal Pradesh, at stumps on the opening day of a Group C Ranji Trophy match, at Dr YS Rajasekhara Reddy stadium, here on Saturday.

Electing to bat, Andhra skipper Kumar hit 13 boundaries in his 265-ball innings, while Murumulla Sriram hit a 94-ball 43, laced with eight hits to the fence.

For Himachal, seamer Vikramjeet Singh Malik, three for 45, was the pick of the bowler with three wickets, while left-arm spinner Bipul Sharma took one wicket.

At stumps, RK Bhui, not out on six, was giving company to Prasanth.

Kumar starred in two important partnerships, as he forged 75 with Sriram for the second wicket and then added 73 runs with GK Chiranjeevi for the fourth wicket.

Opener KS Bharat was the first to be dismissed, when he was cleaned up by Malik in the 9th over.

Malik returned again in the 38th over to castle Sriram.

15 overs later, Bodapati Sumanth too was sent back into the hut by Bipul Sharma, with wicket-keeper Aatish Bhalaik dislodging the stumps after finding the batsman short of the crease.

The final batsman to be dismissed on the day was Chiranjeevi, who was trapped in front of stumps by Malik for his third wicket.

Brief Scores:

Andhra Pradesh 1st innings: 224 for four in 90 overs (Prasanth Kumar 113; VS Malik 3 for 45).