PANAJI
A second-wicket 211-run stand between the seasoned Mayank Agarwal (114) and the talented Devdutt Padikkal (103), both who struck magnificent hundreds ensured Karnataka hold the upperhand in their third round Ranji Trophy Elite Group C clash against Goa at the SDNR Wadiyar Ground in Mysore on Saturday.
Resuming on 228-8, the overnight Goa pair of Arjun Tendulkar who was batting on 10 and Heramb Parab on 6, combined well to frustrate the Karnataka attack with a tenacious 93-run ninth wicket stand in 144 deliveries. The pair was finally separated when Right arm Medium M Venkatesh cleaned up Heramb Parab for 53. The same bowler returned in his ensuing over to dismiss Arjun Tendulkar caught behind by S Sharath for a restrained 52 (112b, 3x4, 1x6). Goa ended their first essay on 321 as M Venkatesh joined compatriots Rohit Kumar A C and V Vyshak with a 3-fer.
In reply, the Karnataka openers, Nischal D and captain Mayank Agarwal looked to dominate an inexperienced Goa new ball pace attack in Arjun Tendulkar and Heramb Parab. The ploy seemed to succeed until the run of play when the Goa skipper, Darshan Misal introduced himself into the attack. The move paid dividends shortly after as Nischal D on 16 was trapped in front by the wily Slow Left arm Orthodox bowler. Karnataka went to lunch at 27-1 in 5.3 overs with Agarwal unbeaten on 11.
Post lunch, the session was all about Karnataka's batting dominance against a hapless visitors attack. Test discard and captain, Mayank Agarwal led from the front and his partner, Devdutt Padikkal complimented the seasoned campaigner with aplomb. The duo dictated terms in a 211-run second wicket alliance in 298 deliveries. While the home side looked on course to take firm control over the proceedings, the Goa spin twins came to rescue as the wicket began to offer prodigious turn. Padikkal who struck his fourth First Class century, on 103 attempted to hit Right arm Offbreak Mohit Redkar over mid off with Misal latching on to a catch. Karnataka were at this juncture comfortably placed at 236-2 in the 55th over, but the ebbs of the game was soon to show its colours. Misal, at the other end, induced his opposite number, Agarwal on 114 to a drive with the delivery only to culminate into the hands of Ishaan Gadekar at point. It was Agarwal's 17th First Class hundred, and the second in this campaign. Night watchman, Rohit Kumar A C, could only last for a 22-ball 2, when he was deceived by Redkar to nick one behind to Samar Dubhashi. Karnataka had slipped to 253/4 as Goa clawed back into the contest. Karnataka keeper-batsman, S Sharath saw off a delivery without opening his account, in company of his vice captain S J Nikin Jose on 3 (22b) as the home side went to stumps on Day 2 at 253-4 in 64 overs, still trailing by 68 runs.
BRIEF SCORE: Goa, 1st innings. 321 in 110.1overs (Snehal Kauthankar 83; Venkatesh M 3-41, V Vyshak 3-76, Rohit Kumar A C 3-90) vs Karnataka, 1st innings. 253-4 in 64 overs Mayank Agarwal 114, Devdutt Padikkal 103; Mohit Redkar 2-65, Darshan Misal 2-68)
