Ranji Trophy Semi-Final: Mayank Agarwal’s Unbeaten Ton Guides Karnataka to 229/5 against Saurashtra on Day 1
On Wednesday, Karnataka hosted Saurashtra in the Ranji Trophy semi-final and posted a score of 229/5 by the end of the day. Karnataka had a rough start, losing half of their team at 112 in 40.3 overs.
Unbeaten Ton by Skipper Mayank Agarwal
However, skipper Mayank Agarwal was able to rescue the team with his unbeaten century, scoring 110 not out. Agarwal held one end of the field together, and with the help of wicket-keeper Srinivas Sharath (58 not out), the two were able to steady the innings with a 117-run partnership for the sixth wicket. Agarwal’s knock was patient, coming off 246 balls and included 11 boundaries and a six.
(PTI Photo)
Wickets for Saurashtra
Saurashtra was able to pick up a few wickets, with Kushang Patel taking two, Chetan Sakariya and Prerak Mankad each accounting for one. The other wicket was a run out. Karnataka did not have a great start, losing opener Ravikumar Samarth in the sixth over, caught by Vishvaraj Jadeja off the bowling of Patel. Newcomer Devdutt Padikkal didn’t last long either, caught by Sheldon Jackson off Sakariya’s bowling in the ninth over.
Partnerships for Karnataka
Agarwal and Nikin Jose were able to share 47 runs for the next wicket before Jose was caught by Harvik Desai in the 29th over. Manish Pandey didn’t do much before becoming Mankad’s scalp, and Shreyas Gopal became a victim of a run out, leaving Karnataka at 112 for 5. However, Agarwal and Sharath joined hands and played sensibly without taking any risks, denying Saurashtra further inroads.
Stumps Called for the Day
Karnataka scored their runs off 87 overs before the umpires called stumps to the opening day’s proceedings. Sharath faced 143 deliveries during his undefeated knock and hit four fours in the process.
In conclusion, Mayank Agarwal’s heroic efforts helped rescue Karnataka from a rough start and guide the team to a score of 229/5 against Saurashtra in the Ranji Trophy semi-final. Agarwal’s patient knock and the partnership with Srinivas Sharath was crucial in steadying the innings and giving Karnataka the upper hand heading into the rest of the match.
