Ranji Trophy: Haryana 146/3 after bowling out Karnataka for 222

In reply to Karnataka's first innings total, Haryana were 146 for three at stumps on day two, with Nitin Saini (57) and Hemang Badani (25) on crease. Veteran seamer Joginder, who exploited the windy conditions to perfection yesterday, to restrict Karnataka to 84 for three before heavy rains drew early curtains to the opening day's play, continued with his fine spell today also, in the able company of fellow pacer Budhwar.

Joginder and Budhwar combined together to push the Karnataka batsmen on to the backfoot. Resuming on 84 for three, the overnight Karnataka batsmen -- Robin Uthappa, unbeaten on 36 and Manish Pandey, batting on three, tried to play with caution but Budhwar drew the day's first blood for Haryana by seeing off the former for 48.

Budhwar added another wicket to his kitty almost immediately by sending back Amit Verma (1), to leave Karnataka reeling at 105 for five. But skipper R Vinay Kumar stepped in and along with Pandey consolidated the innings.

The duo put on a crucial 67-run stand together before Pandey fell for 37 off Joginder's bowling. Vinay Kumar, who on led from the front, however went on to complete his fifty studded with 6 fours and 2 sixes but could not carry on further as Budhwar found his third victim of the day in him.

Thereafter, it was just a matter of time before the Karnataka innings folded for 222, with Sunil Joshi (14) and Abhimanyu Mithun (20) playing a cameo. The hosts then also did not began on a great note as they lost opener Rahul Dewan (5) early. But Saini and Sunny Singh did not let that hamper the team as they laid a solid platform for Haryana.

The duo shared a 90-run stand together before Sunny fell for a well-made 53. Haryana then lost another wicket in the form of Manav Sharma (1) soon after. Fortunately for Haryana, no more wickets fell on the day before they signed off.