Maha-Hyd tie heads for a draw

With the match heading towards a tame draw, Maharashtra are likely to take the first innings lead as Hyderabad finished the third and penultimate day today at 290 for four, still trailing the visitors by 326 runs, in their Ranji Trophy Group C tie here today.
In reply to Maharashtra's massive 616 for nine declared, Hyderabad reached 290 for four in their first innings at close of play today.
Starting the day on 53 for no loss, Hyderabad lost overnight batsman TL Suman, who resumed on 28, early.
But after Suman departed for 73-ball 43, other overnight opener Akshanth Reddy (86) along with D Ravi Teja (98) put on a 137-run partnership for the second wicket.

Both Reddy and Ravi Teja completed their half-centuries but unfortunately fell short of scoring a century.
Ravi Teja, whose knock came off 195 balls with 13 fours, missed the ton by just two runs. He, however, put on another important 51-run stand with Hanuma Vihari for the third wicket.

At stumps, Vihari was unbeaten on 39, while Syed Quadri was giving him comapny at the other end on five.
Brief scores:
Maharashtra 1st innings: 616 for nine decl
Hyderabad 1st innings: 290 for four in 98 overs (D Ravi Teja 98, Akshanth Reddy 86; Akshay Darekar 2/78).