Abhinav Kumar rallies Hyderabad

Abhinav Kumar struck a defiant unbeaten 70 to guide Hyderabad to 237 for six on the opening day of their Ranji Trophy Super League Group A match against Himachal Pradesh in Hyderabad on Tuesday.

Electing to bat at the Gymkhana ground, Hyderabad were in dire straits soon as they were reduced to 31 for three, with Ravi Teja (0), Ambati Rayudu (1) and Anoop Pai (15) being dismissed cheaply.

Opener Tirumalasetti Suman (40) and Arjun Yadav (19) then put together 43 runs for the fourth wicket to revive the Hyderabad innings before the former departed in 41st over.

Abhinav, who came in at the fall of Suman, then shared two important partnerships -- 47 runs with Yadav for the fifth wicket and 77 with Syed Quadri for the sixth wicket -- to take the hosts to 237 for six from 90 overs.

At the draw of stumps, Munagala Arjun (15) was giving company to Abhinav.

For Himachal, Vikramjeet Malik was the most effective bowler with figures of 2 for 58 from his 22 overs.

Ashok Thakur, Mohinderraj Sharma and Abhinav Bali claimed a wicket each.

Brief scores: Hyderabad 237 for 6 from 90 overs (Abhinav Kumar 70 not out, Tirumalasetti Suman 40, Vikramjeet Malik 2/58) v Himachal Pradesh.