Mushtaq Ali Trophy T20: Sandeep Warrier's hat-trick helps Kerala edge Andhra

Krishna (Andhra Pradesh): Kerala pacer Sandeep Warrier's hat-trick helped them beat hosts Andhra by eight runs to notch up their second successive win in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy T20 Championships here on Sunday.

Warrier (3/27) dismissed KV Sasikanth, Karn Sharma and SK Ismail in the final over to clinch the match for his side against Andhra.

Kerala, who outplayed Manipur by 83 runs in their opening Group A match, held their nerve in an exciting game. Kerala have eight points from two games and are in second spot in the seven-team group.

Opener Vishnu Vinod's 70 took Kerala to 160/6 after electing to bat. Vishnu and K B Arun Karthik (31) added 67 runs for the opening wicket in 8.1 overs.

Captain Sachin Baby (38) and Vishnu put on 53 for the second wicket. The left-handed Sachin's 24-ball knock contained five hits to the fence. Vishnu hit five fours and two sixes in his 61-ball stint. However, Kerala lost four quick wickets in the final two overs and ended up with a fighting total.

Andhra were rocked early by Basil Thampi as the pacer sent back captain Hanuma Vihari (6) and Ricku Bhui (3). Andhra, who were struggling at 65/4 in the tenth over, mounted a late challenge thanks to D B Prasanth. His 36-ball 57 gave the home side a real chance, but off-spinner Vinoop Manoharan turned the game Kerala's way by ending his stay in the 17th over.

Basil Thampi, M D Nidheesh and S Mithun picked up two wickets each as Andhra were bowled out for 152.

Kerala next play Delhi on Monday.

Brief scores: Kerala 160/6 in 20 overs (Vishnu Vinod 70; Girinath Reddy 2/18) bt Andhra 152 in 19.4 overs (D B Prasanth 57; Sandeep Warrier 3/27, Basil Thampi 2/37, M D Nidheesh 2/25, S Mithun 2/29).

Points: Kerala 4; Andhra 0.

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