Ranji Trophy: Karnataka edging towards victory as Day 3 sees ‘largely slow-burn cricket’

On a day of largely slow-burn cricket, Karnataka moved to inside seven wickets of victory within the Ranji Trophy quarterfinal towards Uttarakhand on the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium on Thursday.

After piling up a huge 606-run first-innings complete, that fetched a lead of 490 runs, Karnataka lowered Uttarakhand to 106 for 3 at stumps on the third day.

Dikshanshu Negi (27 batting, 65b, 4×4) and Swapnil Singh (27 batting, 58b, 3×4, 1×6) placed on a 50-run unbeaten partnership for the fourth wicket, making certain that the guests wouldn’t roll over. That they should bat out of their skins to simply stretch the match into the fifth day tells the story.

Vidwath Kaverappa was the standout bowler, claiming two wickets throughout a spell of 10 uninterrupted overs (10-5-22-2) to take his tally for the season to 25.

Avneesh Sudha was the primary to go, trapped in entrance whereas shuffling throughout. Skipper Jiwanjot Singh, who had till then been watchful, was bowled by the gate, with two of the three stumps flying throughout the turf.

First change M. Venkatesh struck in his third over, convincing the umpire that Kunal Chandela had edged one down the leg facet. The batter, although, was sad, pointing to his thigh pad earlier than strolling off.

In the penultimate over, Nikin Jose dropped Swapnil at short-leg off leggie Shreyas Gopal. But it’s unlikely to have a lot of a bearing.

Earlier within the morning, in a single day centurion Shreyas and Okay. Gowtham (39, 70b, 4×4, 1×6) placed on 85 runs (145b) for the seventh wicket. Shreyas remained unbeaten on 161 (288b, 16×4, 1×6), his highest First Class rating, going previous the earlier better of 150 n.o. (2017-18).

But the gradual trickle of runs didn’t appear to impress a couple of hundred schoolkids who have been in attendance as they chanted “we want sixer.” Gowtham obliged, hooking one into the stands the place they have been seated.

For the followers who trooped in later, pleasure got here within the type of tea and biscuits that have been specifically organized.

A Karnataka victory and a spot within the semifinals will heat everyone’s hearts uniformly.