Ranji Trophy: Karnataka fight back late for a share of honour

Venkatesh Iyer appeared iffy throughout his 176-minute stay at the crease, but had managed to place visitors in a comfortable position before Karnataka dictated terms with the ball in the second half of the opening day's play.

The Karnataka attack survived a tough test of character on an unresponsive Alur (1) surface to walk back with equal honours on the opening day of their sixth Ranji Trophy Elite Group B fixture against Madhya Pradesh in Bengaluru here on Thursday.

On a day when Venkatesh Iyer (87, 135b, 12x4) struck a fidgety yet effective half-century, Karnataka fought back in the final session, as the visitors paid the price for some lethargic batting towards the end and were reduced to 244/5 in 90 overs at stumps. 

Venkatesh appeared iffy throughout his 176-minute stay at the crease, but had managed to place visitors in a comfortable position before Karnataka dictated terms with the ball in the second half of the opening day's play. 

Vyshak Vijaykumar (2/51), who was declared fit after he had left the field during the Vijay Hazare Trophy semifinals due to a suspected concussion, inspired Karnataka’s charge along with the reliable Shreyas Gopal (2/53). 

Earlier in the day and after being asked to bowl, there was not much in the surface for the Karnataka bowlers as Yash Dubey (29, 57b, 6x4) and Himanshu Mantri (39, 114b, 4x4) negated the new ball with ease, stitching a 53-run partnership.

While Karnataka quicks Vidwath Kaverappa (0/27) and Vidyadhar Patil (0/33) showcased immaculate control without any returns on a track that was good for batting, they might have missed the trick by not challenging the outside edge often. 

After the first drinks break, Shikhar Shetty (1/70) bowled one fuller and angled it in, as Yash went for a needless expansive shot and hit it straight to Vidyadhar at mid-on.

In the post-lunch session, Shrijith KL injured his fingers (right hand) while trying to grab a delivery down leg side, and skipper Mayank Agarwal was forced off the field, feeling a little feverish. 

Mantri, who came into the game having scored just 181 runs in his last eight first-class innings, showed signs of quality before a lapse in concentration saw him walk back in the 36th over.

On the other hand, Shubham Sharma (33, 151b, 2x4) was his customary self, defending well, occasionally playing those drives and chipping away with the singles. However, he took Shreyas’ bait as the ball brushed the outside edge and into Kruthik Krishna’s gloves. 

Venkatesh, who has built a reputation as a quality white-ball cricketer, changed the course of the day, injecting intent after MP’s cautious approach. 

He brought up his 15th first-class fifty off 72 balls, with a brilliant backfoot punch to the fence. Karnataka tried the short ball tactic, but were unsuccessful as he dispatched anything short and wide. When they targeted his pads, he used his wrists to flick with ease. 

However, it was the same short-ball ploy got the better of him in the 83rd over when he tried to hook Vyshak but hit it straight down deep fine leg’s throat. 

Rajat Patidar, (30, 48b) on the other hand, was happy to bide time early on. Just when he was starting to look good and at ease, Shreyas was given a second wicket in the 86th over.

What Madhya Pradesh would rue is that three of their top-four batters played in excess of 110 deliveries but failed to convert into something substantial.