AIS takes revenge, defeats Karnataka XI by two-wickets

Sydney, July 28 (UNI) Karnataka State Cricket Association XI failed to make an action replay of their last encounter, as the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) sneaked out a close two-wicket victory in the Emerging Players Tournament in Queensland.

Earlier in the day, the host were put to sword by V Cheluvaraj's 69 and KD Pawan's 57. But the twist in the tail came after pacer Aaron Heal was introduced into the attack.

The pacer claimed four wickets to restrict the visiting side to 264 in their alloted 50 overs.

The Australian side started their run chase in a typical Aussie blitz with both the openers scoring half centuries to give their side a solid start.

Luke Ronchi scored a blistering 45-ball-56, which was studded with two sixes and nine fours. However, his partner at the other end Michael Hill played a more sedate innings of 66 to steer the Academy side chase before Phillip Hughes (38) and Ben Cutting (7) joined hands for the final 20 runs.

Earlier in the tournament, the Indian side had scored a thumping eight-wicket victory over AIS.

Meanwhile, in the second match of the day, South Africa Emerging Players, second time in as many games, crushed tournament leader New Zealand 'A' by 82 runs.

Continuing his excellent form in the tournament, all-rounder Vernon Philander did all the damage for the Protea side with his all-round capablities. He first played a brisk innings of 59 in just 50 balls, before snaring three wickets for mere 30 runs to complete the rout.

UNI