That only nine wickets fell in two days and over 650 runs were scored was testimony to the benign nature of the pitch at the RSI ground.

Karnataka, who were sitting pretty at 293 for five at close on the opening day of their four-day match against  Bengal XI, went on to pile on the bowlers’ misery. Overnight batsmen Yere Goud and stumper Devraj Patil built on the solid foundation provided by Sudhindra Shinde (148) with a century each.

The two retired after reaching their three figure marks as Karnataka declared their innings at 545 for eight of 151 overs at the stroke of tea.

Goud was the first retire after stroking his way to 135 (274b, 4x16, 1x6) while Patil, making most of the genuine batting conditions, slammed his way to 103 (158b, 4x14, 1x6) before following his skipper’s path to retirement. 

It was no different when it was Bengal’s turn to bat. Though pacer R Vinay Kumar had opener Amitava Chakraborthy castled in the very first over of the innings, Arindam Das and number three Safi Ahmed saw off the day wihout further damage.

Das was in a punishing mood during his unbeaten knock of 78 that came off just 77 balls with the help of 17 hits to the fence.

At close on the second day, Bengal were 110 for one after 26 overs.

Brief scores:
Karnataka XI: 545/8 decl in 151 overs (Yere Goud 135 (retd), Devraj Patil 103 (retd); SS Paul 2-68) vs Bengal XI: 110/1 in 26 overs (Arindam Das 78 batting).