Jharkhand qualify for Ranji knockouts

Hyderabad: Jharkhand on Friday became the second team from Group C to qualify for the the knockouts after posting a 10-wicket win, with a bonus, over Hyderabad on the fourth and final day of their Ranji Trophy cricket match here today.

Resuming on 169 for six, Hyderabad managed to add another 98 runs to their second innings total with B Anirudh top-scoring with an unbeaten 79.

Anirudh's knock came off 136 balls that included 10 boundaries and a six but he failed to get enough support from the lower order batsmen, and finally the home team was bundled out for 267.

Rahul Shukla (5/89) was the pick of the bowlers for Jharkhand, taking his third five-wicket haul in first-class cricket.

Hyderabad could set only a target of 27 runs for Jharkhand, as they had earlier conceded a massive 243-run first innings lead.

Jharkhand then reached 29 for no loss in only 3.4 overs with 10 wickets to spare, to not just register an outright victory but earn a bonus point to make it to the quarterfinals.

Saurashtra is the other team from Group C to make it to the quarters.

Brief scores:

Hyderabad: 145 & 269 (B Anirudh 78; Rahul 5/89)

Jharkhand: 388/8 decl & 29 for no loss in 3.4 overs.

Points: Jharkhand 7, Hyderabad 0.