Karnataka crash to defeat

KC Akshay claimed six wickets as Karnataka crashed to an embarrassing 20-run loss against Kerala in the Cooch Behar Trophy under-19 tournament here at the JCE Ground on Tuesday

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Despite taking a healthy 156-run first-innings lead, Karnataka produced a botched up batting performance in the final innings while chasing a modest target for victory, having allowed Kerala to prosper in their second hit.

Resuming their second innings at 239/5, Kerala added another 85 to muster 324 all out in 105.2 overs. This meant Karnataka had to score 169 to claim six points on offer fr victory.To Karnataka’s horror, however, the wickets fell like a house of cards as Akshay ran amok.

 The off-spinner bagged 6/44 to dismiss the home team for 148 in 52.1 overs. Only first innings centurion SP Arjun (44), BR Sharath (44) and Likhit Bannur (30) showed some stomach for fight while the rest caved in meekly.  

Brief scores: Kerala: 164 and (O/n: 239/5) 324 all out in 105.2 overs (Ajinas M 44, Sijomon Joseph 26; Aditya Somanna 4-63, Likhit Bannur 4-122) vs Karnataka: 320 and 148 all out in 52.1 overs (SP Arjun 47, BR Sharath 44, Likhit Bannur 30; Fanoos F 2-30, Akshay KC 6-44).