Opening batsman Srinivasa Rao played the sheet anchor role as Andhra gained the first innings lead on the second day against Kerala in the South Zone Vijay Merchant Trophy (under-16) match in Calicut on Tuesday.

Kerala, resuming at 191 for eight were all out for 198. MM Nathani top scored with 66 with skipper Md Fajar contributed a valuable 48. Sri Vardha was the most successful bowler with four for 28. Andhra were off to a good start with openers Srinivasa Rao and M Suresh (20) putting on 44 runs. Then Srinivasa Rao and ASK Verma (68) consolidated the position by adding 92 runs for the second wicket off 29 overs. Srinivasa Rao and Shankar Rao (32) increased the score by 59 runs during a fourth wicket association. By close, Srinivasa Rao was just three runs short of his century having batted 337 minutes, faced 269 balls and hitting nine fours as Andhra were 259 for five off 85 overs.

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