Sachin Rathi’s six-for sees Rest of India u-23 dismissed for 179 at M.A. Chidambaram Stadium

Sachin Rathi took six for 27 as Tamil Nadu u-23 bowled Rest of India u-23 out for 179 on the first day at the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Thursday. By stumps Tamil Nadu were 45/0 in 11 overs.

Left-arm spinner Sachin Rathi’s guile proved decisive as the home side restricted the visitors throughout their innings. Rathi’s prized scalp proved to be Angkrish Raghuvanshi, the most notable batter among a batting card that otherwise struggled to build partnerships.

Angkrish Raghuvanshi provided the main resistance, reaching 51 after a cautious start before hitting a boundary over deep midwicket in the 26th over. Moments later he stepped down the track and was caught short of his crease when the ball turned away from the right-hander. Apart from a 74-run third-wicket stand with captain Priyanshu Moliya, the Rest of India innings lacked sustained momentum.

Varun Bhuie contributed 41 as one of the few other notable scores, while Rathi maintained tight control to dismantle the middle-order and tail. “I tried to bowl in the right channels. The pitch was good for batting, so I feel my first spell changed the complexion of the game,” said the spinner.

S.R. Athish made the most of the closing period with the bat, pouncing whenever presented with an opportunity in the last hour to help Tamil Nadu reach 45 without loss.

The scores: Rest of India u-23 179 in 71.5 overs (Angkrish Raghuvanshi 51, Priyanshu Moliya 40, Varun Bhuie 41, Sachin Rathi 6/27) vs. Tamil Nadu u-23 45/0 in 11 overs.