Press Trust of India
Mumbai, Mar 9: Riding on unbeaten centuries from Lokesh Rahul (131 n o, 214b, 13×4, 1×6) and Karun Nair (130 n o, 295b, 19×4), defending champions Karnataka took firm control as they finished on 323 for five at stumps in the Ranji Trophy final here Monday. Earlier the Tamil Nadu innings had folded for 134. Karnataka thus have already secured a 189-run lead over their opponents with half the side still to bat.
Resuming at overnight score of 45 for four, title holders stumbled again after losing night watchman Abhimanyu Mithun (39, 41b, 7×4) early to be reeling at 84 for five. The pacer hit 16 off Laxmipathy Balaji’s over before being dismissed by Malolan Rangarajan.
However, that was the last success of the day for Tamil Nadu. Nair was joined by Rahul who had retired Sunday with an injury. The two batted with elan and put on an unbeaten stand of 239 runs for the sixth wicket to take Karnataka to a position of command.
After the day’s play Nair heaped praise on Rahul and said the Karnataka opener had grown in confidence after playing the Test series in Australia this year. “I can see he is more confident and the standard of his batting has gone up a few notched.” stated Nair.
Brief scores:
Tamil Nadu 134; Karnataka 323 for five (Lokesh Rahul 131 batting, Karun Nair batting 130). Match to continue.
