Karnataka, who shut out Baroda for a paltry 137 on Saturday, continued to call the shots in spectacular fashion, powering to 381 for three from 110 overs at stumps on day two at the RSI ground.
The hosts’ superb first innings charge was largely built on Karun’s unbeaten 170 (225b), studded with 18 boundaries and a six after Karnataka stared the day on 51 for one.
Karun was in his elements right from the beginning and the bowlers were made to toil as they could not spot any weakness in Karun’s batting on the day.
The right-hander was ably supported by skipper Shishir Bhavane, who made a patient 83, and Shryeas Gopal (79 batting). Baroda dismissed ove-rnight batsman SS Darshan for 34 early in the morning, but it was their lone moment of joy as they were sent on a leather hunt for most parts of the play. Shirag Desai turned out to be the most successful bowler for Baroda taking two for 105 but his effort not enough even to contain the home batsmen.
Trailing by 244 runs and two days left to play, Baroda have an enormous task of saving the match against a confident Karnataka.
Brief scores: Baroda: 137 all out in 72.5 overs vs Karnataka (O/n: 51/1): 381/3 in 110 overs (SS Darshan 34, Shishir Bhavane 83, Karun Nair 170 (batting), Shreyas Gopal 78 (batting); Shirag Desai 2-105).
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