Ranji Trophy: Jharkhand v Karnataka ends in a draw

Karnataka’s second innings was used as batting practice but it lost three wickets with Robin Uthappa failing to make the most of the opportunity. Karun Nair and Kaunain Abbas helped themselves to some useful runs before the match was called off with 14.2 overs of play left.

Ravikumar Samarth, who hit a double century in the first innings for Karnataka was rewarded with the man-of-the-match.

Much of the day’s play was reduced to a farce once Jharkhand ended its first innings after 85 minutes this morning. There was little competitive flavour in the contest as Karnataka, having established a first-innings lead of 203 runs, chose to bat the second time ahead of its next match against Delhi to be played in Kolkata from October 20.

Jharkhand resumed at 309 for six, hoping for its lower order to support Ishan Kishan, who was at 118. He remained unbeaten on 159 (211 balls, 16x4, 7x6) but his partners deserted him one by one. For Karnataka, leg-spinner Shreyas Gopal and off-spinner K. Gowtham claimed two wickets each to hasten Jharkhand’s end.

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Karnataka’s second innings was used as batting practice but it lost three wickets with Robin Uthappa failing to make the most of the opportunity. Karun Nair and Kaunain Abbas helped themselves to some useful runs before the match was called off with 14.2 overs of play left.

“It was a good outing since we’re trying to build the team,” reflected Karnataka captain R. Vinay Kumar. “The batsmen have shown encouraging form. I’m happy with the way Abbas batted. He came really good and hit two half centuries in his debut match. He has a cool head and is made for four-day cricket. It was a good comeback for (K) Gowtham.”

Vinay did well to rest his bowlers since there was no chance of a result on the final day. “We would have tried for an outright win if there was a chance. I want the bowlers to be fresh for the next match.” On his recovery from a calf injury, Vinay said, “I will take a call on the morning of the match at Kolkata. I might take a break if it continues to hurt.”

The Karnataka captain praised R. Samarth, who hit a double century in the first innings. “It’s good that he started the season so well. We have to have a batsman who crosses 1000 runs and two bowlers who claim 40-plus wickets if we have to win the championship.”

For Jharkhand coach Rajeev Kumar, it was a learning experience for his young team. “I am satisfied with one point because the toss was crucial. We may not have got the desired result but it was not bad. We were optimistic today (of taking the first innings lead). You never know in cricket. It all depended on Ishan, the way he bats, he could have pulled it off.”