Karnataka scrape past MP

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Indore, Dec. 27: Despite completing their win, there were no celebrations in the Karnataka camp, and correctly so since their batsmen seem to have mastered the art of getting themselves into tough situations, which may well not be a good sign ahead of the semifinals.

After yet another top-order failure, a determined effort from Amit Verma (68, 125b, 10x4) ensured that Karnataka scraped home though they had to survive a few anxious moments against Madhya Pradesh in the Ranji Trophy quarterfinal tie. After MP were restricted to 337, Karnataka, requiring 177 to win, scrambled home in 55 overs, but not before they had lost five wickets.

As the top-order continued with their trend of throwing away wickets, Verma and C.M. Gautam were the only batsmen who put a price on their wicket, against a bowling attack with a never say die attitude. Verma, with 654 runs is the highest run-scorer for Karnataka this season.

When Verma walked in, MP’s bowlers had ignited hopes of an improbable victory with three quick strikes. Opener K.B. Pawan was undone by low bounce, while Ganesh Satish completed a pair as Sud hindra scalped two wickets in the fifth over.

Manish Pandey, attempting a non-existing run, failed to return safely after being sent back by Robin Uthappa to leave Karnataka tottering at 38/3. After adding 39 for the fourth wicket with Uthappa, Verma continued with his good work. He gave the innings some much needed impetus during his 32 run (37 ball) partnership with Stuart Binny. Finally, it was left to the Verma-Gautam combo to see to it that the team entered the semifinals.

Scores: Madhya Pradesh 200 & 337 (Sunil Joshi 4/108) lost to Karnataka 361 and 180/5 (Robin Uthappa 37, Amit Verma 68 not out; Sudhindra 2/34)

Pic Caption:
Last season’s runners-up Karnataka survived some anxious moments in their Ranji Trophy quarterfinals against Madhya Pradesh in Indore. The team rode on Amit Verma’s unbeaten 68 to reach their target (177) in 55 overs.