JOIN USOff-spinner K Gowtham produced a fantastic spell in the final session to sparkle in Karnataka’s massive 176-run victory over Railways in their Group ‘A’ Ranji Trophy game here at the KSCA Navule Stadium on Tuesday.
Railways, chasing an improbable target of 362 runs, began the day from 44/1. The visitors didn’t wilt under pressure in the first two sessions. After breaking for lunch at 119/2, Railways reached 159/4 at tea and a draw looked most likely. Karnataka faced the daunting task of needing six wickets from 30 overs.
Gowtham (6/30) then exhibited his class and experience to bag four wickets in quick succession to trigger Railways’ collapse as Arindam Ghosh’s men were skittled out for 185 in 86 overs. Gowtham’s brilliance saw Karnataka notch up their second win of the season. The eight-time champions are placed fourth with 21 points from six matches now. Karnataka next face Chhattisgarh at the Alur from December 30.
Gowtham had the well set Pratham Singh (48, 151, 6x4) caught at forward short leg. Karnataka maintained the momentum when they returned from tea and Gowtham ran riot. Railways lost their final five wickets for seven runs in 19 balls. Gowtham finished with a match haul of seven wickets.
“We never lost hope. We kept fighting and we knew one wicket would open up the game. It’s nice to deliver when the team needs. I have always believed in being a team man,” Gowtham said after the victory.
That Gowtham fought fever and indigestion to fashion his team’s win spoke volumes of the 30-year-old’s fighting spirit. D Nischal, whose 101 helped Karnataka set an imposing target, was adjudged the man of the match.
TN ousted
Tamil Nadu crashed out after suffering a 9-wicket defeat against Himachal Pradesh in their Group ‘B’ match.