JOIN USA quickfire half-century from Manish Pandey helped Karnataka register a three-wicket win over Gujarat Cricket Association XI in the Buchi Babu all-India invitational tournament at the Sri Ramachandra Medical College grounds on Wednesday.
After bowling out GCA for 195, Karnataka were in all sorts of trouble at the close on day one of the two-day tournament as they languished at 27 for four on Tuesday.
On Wednesday, the overnight pairing of Ryan Ninan (29) and Manish Pandey (61 runs, 75 balls, 4x9, 2x6) got into the act straight away as they stitched together a 61-run partnership.
Amit Verma (36 n.o.) joined Pandey in the middle and made matters worse for the Gujarat bowlers. The loss of Pandey’s wicket put some pressure on Karnataka, but Rajoo Bhatkal (38 n.o.) came to their rescue.
With this win, Karnataka still remain in contention for making it to the quarterfinals. Their fate will depend on the clash between Gujarat and Kerala.
Brief scores: Gujarat Cricket Association XI: 195 all out in 71 overs lt to Karnataka XI: 198/7 in 68.4 overs (Ryan Ninan 29, Manish Pandey 61, Amit Verma 36 n.o., Rajoo Bhatkal 38 n.o.; Ishwar Chaudhary 2-28, Akshar Patel 3-68).