Buchi Babu remaining | Varun wards off a scare as Hyderabad defends its crown

 Hyderabad stored a spirited TNCA President’s XI at bay on the ultimate day to clinch the Buchi Babu match on first-innings lead and efficiently defended its crown on the CSK-HPC floor right here on Tuesday.

The reigning champion entered day 4 needing to bat the President’s XI out of the competition in its second essay, having already secured a 23-run first-innings lead.

The Tamil Nadu outfit, although, didn’t quit, taking 4 wickets within the first session and had a sniff of an opportunity to return again into the sport.

Resuming the day on 14 for one, Hyderabad misplaced opener Aman Singh within the seventh over of the day, trapped in entrance by left-arm spinner P. Vidyuth.

The hosts then acquired on prime when J. Hemchudesan had T. Ravi Teja leg-before, and within the subsequent over, skipper Rahul Singh was caught behind down the leg-side off Trilok Nag. Hemchudesan then set the cat amongst the pigeons within the Hyderabad dug-out when he castled Hima Teja, leaving the guests tottering at 70 for 5.

However, Varun Goud (56 n.o.), as he has completed all through the competitors, rose to the event and slammed an unbeaten half-century to close the door firmly on TN’s hopes.

Sensing the necessity of the hour, Varun was circumspect and hardly appeared troubled towards the spinners. He discovered an ready ally in Rahul Radesh (31 n.o.), and the duo cast an unbeaten 85-run stand for the sixth wicket.

After a quick rain interruption and an early tea, Varun lofted Vimal Khumar over midwicket for a most to deliver up his second half-century of the match. With it, Varun, who was additionally adjudged Player-of-the-tournament, fittingly secured Hyderabad’s triumph because the groups agreed to a draw.

Dignitaries from TNCA, Dr. P. Ashok Sigamani, President & T.J. Srinivasaraj, Hon. Treasurer, gave away the trophies and prizes. R.I. Palani, Hon. Secretary, TNCA, Robin Singh, former Indian cricketer and P. Ramesh, former State cricketer & great-grandson of (late) Buchi Babu, too, have been current on the event.

The scores: Hyderabad 376 & 155/5 in 70 overs (Varun Goud 56 n.o.) drew with TNCA President’s XI 353; Hyderabad received on first-innings lead.

PoM: Hima Teja.