CHENNAI: Opener VS Koushik’s hundred paved the way for Tamil Nadu to take first innings lead against Kerala in the fifth round of the South Zone inter-state U-14 tournament in Puducherry on Wednesday.

Koushik struck 121 (159b, 19x4) as TN declared its innings at 313 for six, securing a lead of 209 runs. TN’s Mohamed Saafir contributed a meaty 98 (90b, 18x4). In its second innings, Kerala reached 202 for nine as TN off-spinner Royal Gangwani took four for 43, while left-arm spinner S Anirudh picked up three for 43.

Brief scores: Kerala 104 & 202/9 in 86 overs (Tanmay Kumar 78, Royal Gangwani 4/43, S Anirudh 3/43) drew with Tamil Nadu 313/6 decl. in 56.1 overs (VS Koushik 121, AI Ashwin 45, Mohamed Saafir 98)