Tamil Nadu have almost clinched the MJ Gopalan Trophy after three days of cricket at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. Colombo Districts Cricket Association (CDCA)XI were shot out for just 198 runs in their first innings, thanks to a brilliant spell of fast bowling by Lakshmipathy Balaji (16-10-16-4) with the support of left-arm spinner Ramakrishnan Ramkumar (23-5-62-4). By close of play on the penultimate day, Tamil Nadu had moved on to 154/3 in their second innings.

Tamil Nadu had been bowled out for 397 on the second day. Robin Singh was snared in the slips after making just 28 runs. Sridharan Sharath, who has been prolific form, played yet another attractive knock to make 88 off 177 balls. He was given good support by wicket-keeper Thirugnanasambandam Arasu (36). Tilan Samaraweera (4/68) and Upul Chandana (4/77) were the pick of the bowlers.

CDCA XI got off to a shocking start; Balaji had Ian Daniel caught behind for a duck. Jehan Mubarak (26) and Michael Vandort (21) added 48 runs for the second wicket before Ashish Kapoor bowled Mubarak. Vandort did not last much longer, falling to the left-arm spin of Ramkumar. CDCA XI were reeling at 57/3 at that stage.

The 20-year-old Balaji struck twice as Prasanna Jayawardene (13) was trapped in front of the wicket and Dinusha Fernando's (5) stumps were knocked back. CDCA XI finished the second day on 97/5. Balaji, who has been training in the National Cricket Academy in Bangalore, has improved in leaps and bounds over the last six months.

The third day's play toso was not very auspicious for the Lankan players. Tillakaratne Dilshan's (30) vigil at the crease came to an end when Ramkumar got through his defence. Balaji struck again, removing the experienced Chandna (5) trapped lbw. Samaraweera (31) made a brave effort to give some respectability to the CDCA XI score before Robin Singh caught him off the bowling of Ramkumar.

Gayan Wijekooon Ramyakumara was the last wicket to fall after making a patient 24 and the CDCA XI innings finished on 198 made in 77.3 overs. Tamil Nadu skipper Robin Singh decided not to enforce the follow-on.

Tamil nadu lost Suresh (19) early in the second innings. Sridharan Sriram who hit a century (100) in the first innings was a bit slow to get started. Once he got into his rhythm there was no stopping this left-handed international batsman. Along with Hemanth Kumar (49) he added 111 runs for the second wicket and put the match much beyond the visitors.

Madanagopal who looked good for a big knock in the first innings, failed to open his acount in the second. By close of play Sriram had moved to an unbeaten 79 (8 fours) and giving him company is Sharath (4*). The final day's play will provide more runs for the Tamil Nadu batsmen. Robin Singh will get one more opportunity to send the message across to the national selectors that he is not a spent force. With the match safely sealed in their favour, Tamil Nadu will be calling the shots tomorrow at the Chepauk.

© CricInfo