BENGALURU: Karnataka pacers have been on song in Ranji Trophy this season. Irrespective of the pace combination on show, they have played a big role in bundling out opposition for low scores.
On Tuesday, Venkatesh M (5/36) made the most of the opportunity in his first-class debut to dismiss Uttarakhand for 116 in the quarterfinals at the Chinnaswamy Stadium here. In reply, Karnataka scored at a quick rate (4. 73 runs per over) and were 123 for no loss at stumps on the opening day with a lead of seven runs. Mayank Agarwal (65 batting, 86b, 9x4, 1x6) and Ravikumar Samarth (54 batting, 74b, 7x4) continued their form to put the home team in control.
Asked to bat, the visitors suffered an early blow with captain Jiwanjot Singh falling to Vidwath Kaverappa (2/17) for one.
Venkatesh, who learned about his inclusion in the playing XI on match day after replacing V Koushik (back spasm), was introduced in the 11th ov er. In an entertaining start to his career, he gave away two boundaries, a couple and bagged the wicket of Avneesh Sudha who chased a short, wide ball outside off to be caught at deep point.
Venkatesh was also helped by the batters, including Dikshanshu Negi, who played a needless shot to top-edge the ball and was caught by BR Sharath. With Swapnil Singh and Aditya Tare being sent back by Vyshak Vijaykumar and Kaverappa respectively, Uttarakhand were totteringat 64/5.
Post lunch, Kunal Chandela and Akhil Singh Rawat showed some resilience for Uttarakhand with a 35-run partnership for the sixth wicket. But Venkatesh struck twice in a span of five balls to remove Rawat and Abhay Negi and reduce Uttarakhand to 101/7.
Brief scores: Uttarakhand 1st innings 116 (M Venkatesh 5/36) vs Karnataka 1st innings: 123/0 (R Samarth 54 batting, Mayank Agarwal 65 batting)
