India Domestic: Orissa take the upper hand

The knockout stage of the Cooch Behar Trophy, a state level tournament for Under 19 cricketers, opened at Jamshedpur today. There are ten teams in the fray and while six have got a bye into the quarters, the remaining two places are up for grabs in the two pre quarterfinals that began today. In the match between Andhra and Orissa at the Telco Cricket Ground, Orissa had the edge despite being bowled out on the first day for 254. They struck back at the end of the day to leave Andhra at 17-2.

After Orissa lost the toss and were put in, Biswa Mohapatra dominated an opening stand of 58, of which his partner Baliar Singh contributed only four. It eventually turned out to be the best stand of the innings. Mahapatra top scored with 71 (83 balls, 12 4's and a 6). S Biswal with 47 and N Behera with 54 also chipped in but the honours clearly belonged to Andhra off spinner Mohammed Faiq who took 6-85 in 33.4 overs. Orissa new ball bowlers Mohanty and Patnaik took a wicket apiece as Andhra stuttered to 17-2 in 14 overs. Taher Hussain with 6 and VVV Appa Rao on 1 were manning the crease.