Smaran R scored an unbeaten 220 on the second day of the Ranji Trophy fixture against Kerala on Sunday.
Credit: DH File Photo
Bengaluru: Karnataka’s Karun Nair and Smaran R revelled in Kerala’s new Ranji Trophy venue to send the hosts chasing leather on the second day of their third Elite Group B fixture at the KCA Cricket Ground in Mangalapuram on Sunday.
Karun eventually finished on 233 off 389 balls, reaching his fifth first-class double ton and second of the year, having made 204 against England Lions in Canterbury back in May.
Smaran, on the other hand, was unbeaten on 220 off 390 deliveries and celebrated his second first-class double hundred, in just his 16-innings-old career.
The duo stitched a 343-run partnership to help Karnataka reach 586 for five in 167 overs when the declaration came with an hour’s play left.
Kerala, who were in desperate need of points, after having managed two in two games, suffered early blows and were reduced to 21 for three in 10 overs at stumps.
Vyshak Vijaykumar had opener Krishna Prasad caught off Aneesh KV in the fourth over while his partner in crime, Vidwath Kaverappa, knocked Nidheesh MD’s poles in the seventh over.
Vidwath struck again in the penultimate over of the day, sending Vaishak Chandran back for nought.
Basil NP (11 not out) and Akshay Chandran (6 not out) saw Kerala through to the close, but they still trail Karnataka by a massive 565 runs and it will take some effort from their batting group to ensure that they reach 436 to avoid the follow-on.
Earlier, Karun, who had reached 142 overnight, recorded his second 150+ score of the season in the first hour and then went on to reach his double ton in the second session as the bowlers toiled hard without any rewards.
Smaran also continued from where he had left off to give the hosts a long and taxing day on the field.
Kerala had to wait till the 49th over of the day for their first breakthrough when Basil NP finally sent Karun back, caught off Shoun Roger.