Guwahati: Rahul Hazarika's maiden first-class hundred helped Assam escape with a draw after being forced to follow on by Kerala in their Ranji Trophy Elite Group B match here on Monday.
The hosts, who conceded a first innings lead of 171, reached 212/3 at tea on the fourth and final day of the contest when the match was called off. Kerala bagged three points for taking the first inings lead. Kerala have four points from two matches, while Assam opened their account with the draw.
Hazarika and Rishav Das added 103 for the opening wicket in the second innings. Left-arm pacer Visweshar Suresh provided the breakthrough by sending back Das for 45.
Hazarika, who made 107 off 154 balls, hit 11 fours and three sixes. The 30-year-old was dismissed by M D Nidheesh. Gokul Sharma scored 23 before falling to off-spinner Jalaj Saxena.
Earlier, Kerala wrapped up the Assam first innings in the morning session. Assam lost their last three wickets for the addition of 17 runs to be bundled out for 248. Kerala enforced the follow on in pursuit of an outright win.
Basil Thampi claimed 5/82, while Saxena picked up 4/58. This was pacer Thampi's fifth five-wicket haul at the first-class level.
Kerala next meet Mumbai at Thumba, Thiruvananthapuram, on Friday.
Brief scores: Kerala 419 drew with Assam 248 and 212/3 in 54 overs (Rahul Hazarika 107, Rishav Das 45).
Points: Kerala 3; Assam 1
