Ranji Trophy: Karnataka continues domination on a day of slow progress

Karnataka dominates Uttarakhand in the Ranji Trophy semifinal, posting 736 runs and restricting opponents to 149 for five.

Proceedings at the Ekana Cricket Stadium on Tuesday were as slow as pouring honey, but Karnataka will remain confident that it will eventually get to taste that nectar.

At stumps on day three of the Ranji Trophy semifinal here, Uttarakhand, in response to Karnataka’s humungous 736 — the southern State’s third-highest First Class total in history — had reached 149 for five.

In the morning, Karnataka added just 47 runs to its overnight score, with an error in judgement resulting in centurion R. Smaran being stumped (135, 216b, 12x4) off Mayank Mishra.

Karnataka’s R. Smaran is stumped by Saurabh Rawat off Mayank Mishra. | Photo Credit: R.V. MOORTHY

In response, Kunal Chandela & Co. had the option of being positive on a good batting wicket or buckle down and delay Karnataka’s seemingly inevitable victory charge.

And they chose the latter, digging in for 69 overs, with No. 4 Lakshya Raichandani, a 17-year-old playing his maiden First Class season, remaining unbeaten on 52 (166b, 10x4).