Karnataka steadily closed in on victory before bad light and rain brought an end to proceedings on the third day of its Ranji Trophy clash with Assam at the SDNRW ground here.
With the weather in mind, the home side declared early on Monday morning, having stretched its lead to 324 runs. The bowlers were then made to work hard for their wickets, Assam offering far more resistance than it had in the first innings. Abhimanyu Mithun struck twice in the first session before K. Gowtham took three for 39, the off-spinner in the thick of things again. At stumps, the visitor was 169 for six, still 155 runs in arrears. Vinay Kumar's men will look to seal the win early on the final day.
In the morning, Karnataka declared on 469 for seven, after less than an hour's play. A crestfallen Gowtham was able to add only two runs to his overnight score, handing a return catch to Arup Das on 149. Assam walked out for its second innings determined to put up a fight.
Assam would not be blown away, though. Rishav Das and Sibsankar Roy dug in, and it was only after lunch that the former would fall, bowled by an in-ducker from Vinay. Karnataka endured another hour of frustration before Gowtham snared Roy, who made an obstinate 44 (102b), and Tarjinder Singh in quick succession. Swarupam Purkayastha batted for close to an hour for his 14; he was trapped leg-before trying to sweep Gowtham.
As black clouds gathered overhead and the light faded, Gokul hung on, just like he had on Saturday. The Assam captain remained unbeaten on 62 when play was called off 36 minutes early, with Abu Nechim Ahmed for company.
The wicket-keeper Wasiqur Rahman, who limped off the field with a knee injury on day two, may not bat. The prognosis is not good, either for Rahman or his side.
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