Vishal Bhatia celebrated his birthday with a five-wicket haul to help Himachal Pradesh bowl out Kerala for 214 before the visitors struggled to 164 for five in their Group C Ranji Trophy match here today.
The left-arm spinner, who turned 32, gave himself a perfect birthday gift after Kerala opted to bat at the Conor Vayal Stadium.
Bhati picked up five 63 while lower-order batsman Vinoop Manoharan top scored for Kerala with a 71 off 105 balls. Opener V A Jagadeesh made 56 off 114 balls with the help of 5 fours and 2 sixes. Manoharan found the fence 12 times during his crucial knock that he produced after coming in at number 8.
Bipul Sharma struck 53 for Himachal while P Prasanth grabbed 3/48 for the hosts.
Abhinav Bali contributed 41 for the visitors.
Brief scores:
Kerala 1st innings: 214 all out in 56.1 overs (Manoharan 71, Jagadeesh 56; Vishal Bhatia 5/63)
Himachal Pradesh 1st innings: 164/5 in 33 overs (Bipul Sharma 53; P Prasanth 3/48).
