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

 Hyderabad kept a spirited TNCA President’s XI at bay on the final day to clinch the Buchi Babu tournament on first-innings lead and successfully defended its crown at the CSK-HPC ground here on Tuesday.

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

The Tamil Nadu outfit, though, did not give up, taking four wickets in the first session and had a sniff of a chance to come back into the game.

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

The hosts then got on top when J. Hemchudesan had T. Ravi Teja leg-before, and in the next over, skipper Rahul Singh was caught behind down the leg-side off Trilok Nag. Hemchudesan then set the cat amongst the pigeons in the Hyderabad dug-out when he castled Hima Teja, leaving the visitors tottering at 70 for five.

However, Varun Goud (56 n.o.), as he has done throughout the competition, rose to the occasion and slammed an unbeaten half-century to shut the door firmly on TN’s hopes.

Varun Goud.
| Photo Credit:
B. JOTHI RAMALINGAM

Sensing the need of the hour, Varun was circumspect and hardly looked troubled against the spinners. He found an able ally in Rahul Radesh (31 n.o.), and the duo forged an unbeaten 85-run stand for the sixth wicket.

After a brief rain interruption and an early tea, Varun lofted Vimal Khumar over midwicket for a maximum to bring up his second half-century of the match. With it, Varun, who was also adjudged Player-of-the-tournament, fittingly secured Hyderabad’s triumph as the teams 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, were present on the occasion.

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

PoM: Hima Teja.