Ranji Trophy: Karnataka in driving seat against Chandigarh

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, February 18

After a yet another disappointing performance by Chandigarh bowlers, the local team trailed by 235 runs on the penultimate day of their last Ranji Trophy match against hosts Karnataka at the KSCA Stadium.

After resuming the innings from their overnight total of 268 runs at the loss of three wickets, Karnataka lads went on to score 563 runs at the loss of five wickets before declaring their innings. The Karnataka innings witnessed three centuries — Manish Pandey (148), V Vyshak (103) and S Sharath (100) — which helped the side claim a 296-run lead.

In reply, openers Shivam Bhambri (33) and Arslan Khan (27) raised an unbeaten partnership, as Chandigarh were at 61 for no loss when the stumps were drawn.

Earlier, Pandey and Hardik Raj started the Karnataka innings today. The duo extended their overnight unbeaten partnership to 239 runs. The partnership laid a strong foundation for Karnataka, before Raj was caught by Mayank Sidhu off Karana Kaila for 82 off 178 balls, with seven boundaries. Kaila struck again soon as he accounted Pandey for 148 off 181 balls, studded with 17 boundaries and three sixes, to reduce the side at 365 runs at the loss of five wickets.

However, the innings was yet to see another fruitful partnership as Vyshak and Sharath stitched a marvellous unbeaten 198-run stand for the 6th wicket. Vyshak scored 103 off 141 balls, with 10 boundaries and two sixes, while Sharath posted 100 off 160 balls with 11 boundaries before the hosts skipper declared their innings at 563 runs with five wickets down. Chandigarh skipper took services from eight bowlers, but only Kaila claimed two wickets of the day.

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