Mysore, Feb.9- Vidyaranya CC entered the finals of Sri Gopa-laswami Memorial Tournament by virtue of their vital 52-run first innings lead over City Cricketers, Mandya in their three-day semi-final which ended in a draw at PET grounds on Monday.
Batting first after being put into bat by Vidyaranya CC, City Cricketers scored141 in 42 overs. Rajashekar top scored with 39. Medium-pacer Sharath impres-sed with a fine spell of six for 33.
In reply, Vidyaranya CC scored 193 in 75.1 overs. M.Mahadev top scored with 52 runs. B.S. Sachin (35) and D.Bharath (30) were the other scorers. Left-arm spinner Syed Younis bowled well to take seven for 61.
Vidyaranya CC secured a vital first innings lead of 52 runs. In their second essay, City Cric-keters, well served by middle-order batsman J.Akshay (103 n.o, 15x4s) rattled up 316 for seven decl. in 99 overs.
Set a target of 265-runs to get, Vidyaranya CC ended up scoring 181 for nine in 81 overs at close of play. The last wicket pair of Sharath and Anil Kumar defended stubbornly for four overs and remained not out and saved the match for their team. South-paw F.A.Fahad top scored with 79 runs. A.S.Guruprasad (31) was the other scorer. The match ended in a draw and Vidyaranya CC entered the final on the basis of their first innings lead.
Scores: City Cricketers 141 in 42 overs (Rajasekar 39, N.Manu 30, Sharath six for 33, A.S. Guruprasad two for 23) and 316 for seven decl. in 99 overs (J.Akshay 103 n.o, Syed Younis 41, N.Manu 38, S. Lohit 38, B.S.Pawan three for 68) drew with Vidyaranya CC 193 in 75.1 overs (M.Mahadev 52, B.S. Sachin 35, D.Bharath 30, Syed Younis seven for 61) and 181 for nine in 81 overs (V.A.Fahad 79, A.S.Guruprasad 31, B.S.Sachin 22, Syed Younis seven for 34).
