Kerala holds the aces despite Riyan’s dazzling century

Basil Thampi, Rishav Das

Assam captain Riyan Parag perpetuated his recent string of good scores with another dazzling century (116) at the ACA Stadium here on Sunday.

Despite his knock, Kerala held the aces in the Ranji Trophy match after reducing the hosts to 231 for seven at stumps on the third day. Bad light truncated the proceedings as only 57 overs were bowled.

The start was delayed for one-and-half hours and Riyan came to bat in the second over after Basil Thampi had overnight batter S.C. Ghadigaoankar edging a catch to wicketkeeper Vishnu for four.

The skipper started with an imperious straight drive and picked Thampi off his toes for the second boundary in the over to get into his groove quickly.

There was nothing frenetic and slapdash in his batting. Riyan was neat and compact and simply punished the bad balls, which were many, during his stay in the middle. A short-arm pull over square leg for six off M.D. Nidheesh and a cover drive for four off Thampi stood out for their beauty.

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