The Hyderabad Under-14 team continues to underperform in the South Zone Inter-state Under-14 Boys’ (2-day) Tournament which is being held at Vizianagaram.
By the way, things have not been great with Hyderabad teams in the other age-group categories or the Ranji Trophy campaign this year. Barring the Under-19 team’s triumph in the Vinoo Mankad Trophy and the senior team’s show in the Syed Mushtaq Ali, there has not been much to rave about.
In their third-round match held on February 3 and 4, Hyderabad escaped with a draw after having the ignominy of following on against Karnataka. It was yet another poor batting display which followed the equally poor bowling show put up by the Hyderabad players.
Karnataka, who batted first, ran up a massive 402 for three declared on the first day’s play. The runs came off in 85 overs as the Karnataka batters took a heavy tool of the spineless attack. Prabhav Pydah made 137 off 199 balls with 14 fours and a six, while Ryan Tomar made an unbeaten 134 off 162 balls with 16 boundaries and a six. Samarth Suresh made 63 and Pavandeep R scored 49 as all the Karnataka batters who turned up at the wicket made merry at the Hyderabad bowlers’ expense.
Chasing a mammoth score, Hyderabad failed to put up a challenge as they were bowled out for 186 in 42 overs with P Vivaan Reddy making a top score of 37. Ashith Sanjay took three for 23 for Karnataka.
Following on, Hyderabad dished out an even worse and pathetic show with the bat as they struggled to counter the rival attack. They were reduced to 95 for seven in 42 overs before play was called off.
What is most surprising is that most of the batters had scored heavily in the Under-14 tournament and in the three matches thus far none has been impressive. This raises quite an important question about the quality of matches that are being conducted by the Hyderabad Cricket Association. Is it enough to conduct leagues and tournaments without having a periodic quality check? Are the administrators going to do something to improve the quality of cricket or are they only interested in conducting matches?
Brief scores: Karnataka 402/3 declared in 85 overs (Pavandeep R 49, Samarth Suresh 63, Prabhav Pydah 137, Ryan Tomar 134 not out) drew with Hyderabad 186 in 42 overs (P Vivaan Reddy 37; Ashith Sanjay 3/23) & follow on 95/7 in 42 overs.
