The four-day practice tie between Karnataka and Bengal moved on expected pattern before petering into a draw on the final day here at the RSI ground on Monday.
Having established a handsome 260-run lead on the penultimate day, the hosts declared their second innings at 188 for three after 35.3 overs setting an improbable 386-run target for Bengal. For Karnataka, opener Barrington Rowland top-scored with an unbeaten 77. All-rounder C Raghu chipped in with 41.
Looking at the enormity of the target one expected a defensive approach from the Bengal batsmen, but the visitors made their intentions clear and gave a spirited reply riding piggyback on Amitabh Chakraborthy’s sparkling 94. But it was an effort, which was not going to enough in the face of the enormity of the target. Bengal finished their second essay at 202 for seven in 35.3 overs.
Left-arm spinner C Raghavendra was the pick of Karnataka bowlers returning figures of four for 31.
Brief scores: Karnataka 545/8 decl. and (O/n 62/1) 188/3 decl in 35.3 overs (Barrington Rowland 77 n.o., C Raghu 41) drew with Bengal: 347 and 202/7 in 35.3 overs (Amitabh Chakraborthy 94; C Raghavendra 4-31).
