Rohit Rayudu’s 155 Powers Hyderabad to Commanding Position
Rohit Rayudu’s masterful 155 (260b, 8×4, 8×6) propelled Hyderabad to a commanding position against Chhattisgarh on day two of the Buchi Babu tournament final at the NPR College ground.
Rayudu, who had showcased his defensive prowess on the opening day, displayed his attacking instincts on Monday. He began cautiously but shifted gears seamlessly after Hyderabad lost two early wickets. The 30-year-old smashed left-arm spinner Shashank Tiwari for a boundary and a swept six to move into the 90s. He reached his century in style, sweeping off-spinner Sahban Khan over midwicket for a maximum.
Rayudu continued his onslaught, smoking pacer Vasudev Bareth for two sixes in one over. He stood tall and punched elegantly over the cover boundary before pulling him over square-leg to reach his 150. He found able support from Aniketh Reddy, and the duo stitched a 101-run stand (109 balls) for the ninth wicket, taking the game away from Chhattisgarh.
Hyderabad’s spinners then backed up their batters’ efforts by running through the Chhattisgarh top-order. Rohit Rayudu, who had earlier opened the bowling, accounted for the first two wickets with his off-spin. Left-arm spinners Tanay Thyagarajan (three for 40) and Aniket Reddy (three for 45) took over, reducing Chhattisgarh to 145 for eight at stumps.