Top order fuels Karnataka hopes

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Karnataka’s top-order applied themselves brilliantly to set up an intriguing last day against Tamil Nadu in their Group B Ranji Trophy contest.

Starting the penultimate day at 26 for no loss -a deficit of 512 runs — the visitors managed to reach 239 for three in 100 overs at the MAC here on Sunday.

With 300 more runs require to obtain the significant first-innings lead, Karnataka might be sanguine about their prospects of getting there with seven wickets in hand. A well-set Ganesh Sathish (65 runs, 184b, 4x4) and left-hander Amit Verma (18) will resume the fight on the morrow.

Akin to Tamil Nadu’s innings, Karnataka’s top three batsmen went on to complete half centuries — a thrust that helped them build a solid foundation.

Engaging a cautious approach in the first hour of play, overnight batsmen — K.B. Pawan and Robin Uthappa — decided to move on.

Birthday boy Uthappa (53 runs, 134b, 5x4,1x6), in particular, showcased his renowned power-hitting with some lusty blows, while Pawan (69, 194b, 7x4, 1x6) showcased articulate timing by caressing and dissecting the field.

With just a handful of overs left for lunch, offspinner Malolan provided TN the much-needed breakthrough. Uthappa, trying to work a delivery on to the leg-side, was done in by its pace and lack of bounce as he was adjudged lbw.

Post-lunch, Pawan was handed a reprieve on 61 when B. Aparajith failed to cling on to a straightforward chance at gully.

However, Pawan brought the smile back on Aparajith’s face in no time.

The right-hander, after adding just eight more runs, gifted his wicket when he stepped out to part-time spinner Abhinav Mukund only to hit the ball straight down L. Balaji’s throat at midon.

Against the trend, Manish Pandey became the first batsman to depart when he was held by wicketkeeper Dinesh Karthik.

After that dismissal, which had come off the second ball after tea, Satish and Verma joined forces to add 55 runs for the fourth wicket.