Hyderabad qualified for the semifinals of the Buchi Babu Invitational Tournament, topping Group ‘D’ after beating Madhya Pradesh (MP) by an innings and 59 runs on the second day of the fixture at the AM Jain College in Chennai on Wednesday.
MP failed to overturn the 233-run first innings deficit and could only manage 174 for two after Hyderabad piled up 414 for seven declared in 87 overs.
With a daunting task ahead, MP openers Aryan Tiwari and Saksham Purohit showed character with an attractive 132-run stand. Both played eye-catching strokes in front of the square and rotated strike with ease against spread fields that resembled a limited-overs contest.
Though the target was never within reach in 45 overs, the pair frustrated Hyderabad bowlers with their composure. After 188 balls, the breakthrough finally came when Varun Goud completed a return catch to dismiss Tiwari for 65. Aniketh Reddy later removed Purohit, who scored 78 off 121 balls.
Earlier, Hyderabad resumed with Tanmay Agarwal and Rahul Radesh under cloudy skies. Agarwal continued from where he left off on Tuesday as he looked in sublime touch, confidently driving, pulling, and sweeping his way to a commanding 130 off 162 balls before being stumped off Rohit Rajawat. Radesh (37) had earlier fallen to Rajawat, caught behind – a decision that left him visibly unhappy – while Hima Teja edged Vishnu Bhardwaj to short leg for 6.
As MP spinners probed consistently, coach Devendra Bhundela remained proactive on the sidelines, directing field placements to maintain pressure. Hyderabad, however, regained control through captain Rahul Singh and Goud, who added 121 runs for the fifth wicket. Rahul struck a composed 59 before Anvesh Chawla ended his stay, and wickets of Rohit Rayudu and Ravi Teja followed soon after.
Despite illness in the morning, Goud anchored the innings with determination. Mixing sharp running with selective strokeplay, he brought up a fluent century off 110 balls — an effort that prompted Hyderabad’s declaration and ultimately sealed the path to the semifinals.
Published on Aug 27, 2025