CHENNAI: Medium pacer D Pooli Chelladurai Raja’s maiden five-wicket haul enabled Tamil Nadu to secure a crucial first innings lead against Uttar Pradesh on the second day of the fourth round of the Elite ‘A’ men’s U-16 Vijay Merchant Trophy match in Shivamogga on Wednesday.

Resuming from its over-night score of 13 for one, UP was bowled out for 260 as Chelladurai Raja scalped six for 75. He received good support from left-arm spinner S Abhishek who took three for 44 as the duo helped TN take a 9-run lead.

For UP, opener Hitesh Kumar top-scored with 80 (108b,14x4). Arush Gupta contributed 53 (100b, 5x4). In its second innings, TN reached 43/1 at close of play, extending its lead to 52.

BRIEF SCORES: Tamil Nadu 269 & 43/1 in 14 overs vs Uttar Pradesh 260 in 76.5 overs (Hitesh Kumar 80, Arush Gupta 53, Anay Awasthi 32, D Pooli Chelladurai Raja 6/75, S Abhishek 3/44)