Kerala opener Abhishek Hegde and team India prospect Sanju Samson batted cautiously during their 81-run unbroken stand as the southern state reached 96 for one chasing Tripura's paltry first innings score of 179 in a Ranji Trophy cricket match, here today.
Starting the second day's play at 127 for six, Tripura were all out for 179 in 88.1 overs while Kerala reached 96 for one in 49 overs at stumps on second day.
Pacers Sandeep Warrier (4/45) and Nizar Niyas (3/39) shared bulk of the spoils amongst themselves as opener Bishal Ghosh top-scored with 78.
While Hegde is batting on 52 off 163 balls with eight fours, talented Samson is undefeated on 40 off 116 balls with six fours to his credit.
Kerala still require 84 runs to surpass Tripura's first innings score and get three points from the game.
Brief Scores: Tripura 1st innings 179 in 88.1 overs (Bishal Ghosh 78, Sandeep warrier 4/45, Nizar Niyas 3/39)
Kerala 96/1 in 49 overs (Abhishek Hegde 53 batting, Sanju Samson 40 batting).
