Hyderabad entered the semifinals of the Vijay Merchant Trophy Under-16 tournament by virtue of their massive 270 run first innings lead over Rajasthan in their quarterfinal match at the Deshbandhu Park in Kolkata on Sunday.

Resuming at the overnight score of 290 for 4, Hyderabad lost Abhinav Kumar (21) at the score of 263. Abhinav was caught behind by Nagar off Vinod Kumar. Then Niranjan (70) was ably accompanied by A Shinde in a sixth wicket stand worth 93 runs. After a 215 minute stay at the crease Niranjan was run out. During his stay at the middle, Niranjan faced 154 balls and hit ten boundaries. Shinde followed Niranjan to the pavilion soon after, caught behind off AV Maan.

But the unbeaten eighth wicket stand of 107 runs between A Absolem (50 not out) and Nasir Ali (29 not out) helped Hyderabad consolidate on the over all lead. At stumps on the final day, Hyderabad were 524 for 7.

© CricInfo