Prem, Yohannan give Kerala 1st innings lead

Palakkad: A crucial 123-run last wicket stand between Rohan Prem and Tinu Yohannan helped Kerala take a vital 115-run first innings lead against Jammu and Kashmir in their Ranji Trophy Plate Division match here on Sunday.

Prem scored a brilliant unbeaten 124 and was ably supported by Yohannan (32) to end Kerala's first innings at 299. Jammu and Kashmir were 26 for one in their second innings at stumps on day two.

Earlier, resuming at the overnight score of 72 for two, Kerala lost wickets at regular intervals and were reeling at 176 for 9 when Prem and Yohannan rescued the ship with some disciplined batting. The pair added 50 in 88 balls and 100 in 162 balls.

Prem's hit 15 fours and a towering six in his 217-ball knock, while Tinu's 32 came off 87 deliveries with six boundaries.

For the visitors, Ahmed Nizam scalped four for 47 while Sani-Ul-Ah-Beig captured three for 94.

Brief scores:

Jammu and Kashmir: 184 and 26-1 (Ian Dev Singh batting 17).

Kerala: 299 (Rohan Prem 124 not out, P Prashanth 21, Tinu Yohannan 32, Sani-Ul-Ah-Beig 3-94, A Nizam 4-47).