Ranji Trophy: Kerala bag three points against Services

New Delhi: Karaparambil Monish (4/105) and Rohan Prem (4/44) retured with four-wicket hauls each to help Kerela earn a crucial first innings lead and grab three points against Services in their drawn Group C Ranji Trophy cricket match here on Sunday.

Resuming their first innings on the fourth and final day at 281/7, Services were all out for 319, four runs short of Kerala's first innings score of 322.

Prem dismissed overnight batsmen Raushan Raj (8) and Muzzaffaruddin Khalid (28), while Monish caught and bowled Diwesh Pathania (5) as Services were all out in 129.4 overs.

VA Jagadeesh (43) and Akshay Kodoth (72) then produced a 118-run partnership for the opening wicket as Kerala declared their second innings at 176 for three in 57.1 overs, setting Services a target of 180 at Palam A Ground, Model Sports Complex.

Sachin then returned to claim three wickets as Services ended with a score of 43 for four in their second innings as the match ended in a draw.

Brief Score:

Kerala 322 & 176/3d in 57.1 overs (AG Kodoth 72; AH Gupta 2/23)

Services 319 & 43/4 in 18 overs (R Chauhan 17; Sachin Baby 3/24).