Karnataka lose rain-curtailed tie

A reckless batting show handed Karnataka a 57-run defeat via the VJD method against Maharashtra in their rain-hit Vijay Hazare Trophy opening encounter here on Thursday.

Maharashtra’s batting mainstays – Ankit Bawne (104 n.o., 115b, 10x4, 1x6) and Rahul Tripathi (70, 68b, 7x4, 2x6) – were instrumental in setting the defending champions a modest target of 246 at the Chinnaswamy stadium. Barring the duo’s 112-run stand for the third wicket, Maharashtra’s batting had nothing to write home about. But Bawne’s mature knock, which saw him stay firm despite wickets tumbling at the other end, gave the visitors a total to fight for.

Karnataka’s response lacked composure and they were reduced to 38 for three in the ninth over. A 59-run stand between C M Gautam (29) and Pavan Deshpande (31) resurrected their innings. However, Maharashtra struck twin blows before rain stopped proceedings at 98/5. Play resumed with the target revised to 229 from 43 overs.

The rain gods didn’t seem to be in favour of the defending champions as play was soon interrupted. Karnataka were 107 for six in 22.4 overs, 57 runs behind the par score. Relentless rain forced the officials to call off the match.

Karnataka’s batting was a combination of poor shot-selection and tactless running between the wickets. Mayank Agarwal (12) walked down the track and went for a big shot off left-arm seamer Samad Fallah but the ball took a leading edge to point.

Karun Nair’s (4) dismissal was a case of self-destruction. R Samarth’s (17) inside edge went to fine leg and after comfortably finishing two runs, Nair called his partner for a third despite the fielder Anupam Sanklecha having gathered the ball. The Maharashtra paceman executed a direct hit to stun Nair.

Run-out came to haunt Karnataka again when Gautam and Deshpande showed needless hurry. Having nudged it straight to mid-wicket, Desphande called for a single and Gautam responded only to fall to a direct hit from Tripathi. Samarth was caught behind going for an expansive drive off Sanklecha while Stuart Binny was trapped in front for a second-ball duck by left-arm spinner Satyajeet Bachhav (2/19).

Earlier, it was Tripathi’s attacking approach that gave a circumspect Bawne some confidence. The duo was severe on off-spinner K Gowtham and right-arm pacer Prasidh Krishna. Bawne, with eight needed for his ton in the final over, smashed a six off Gowtham and ran a couple to reach the mark. He struck a boundary off the final ball to finish off in style.

The 25-year-old has a special liking for Karnataka. After an 89 in a losing cause in the 2013-14 Ranji Trophy final, Bawne made 87 in Pune that knocked Karnataka out of the Ranji 2015-16 group stage.

“They (Karnataka) are the best domestic side. If you score well against them the national selectors take notice of it. I am happy to keep my good run going,” he said.

Karnataka next play Mumbai at the Chinnaswamy on Friday.