Skipper S.J. Nikin Jose from Mysuru, representing Karnataka in Col. C.K. Nayudu Trophy U-23 Round VI, Elite Group A & B Tourney against Baroda at GSFC Cricket Ground, Vadodara, hogged limelight on the final day in the drawn game by scoring an unbeaten 201 n.o. yesterday.

Resuming at the overnight score of 228 for four in 95 overs, scored 426 for six decl. in 143 overs. Nikin scored an unbeaten 201 n.o. (22×4, 1×6) and pulled Karnataka out of the woods. He shared a 62-run fifth wicket partnership with Mysuru’s Kishan S. Bedare (33, 4×4) and later added 120-runs for sixth wicket with Aditya Somanna (51, 4×4, 2×6). Mysurean M.B. Darshan remained not out with 20 runs (2×6). Skipper N.A. Rathra took 3 for 137 for Baroda.

Needing 330-runs to win in 40 overs, Baroda held on to a draw and took the vital first innings points in the drawn tie. At close Baroda were reduced to 116 for seven in 40 overs by the Karnataka bowlers. Opener J.K. Singh batted well for Baroda and held one end up by scoring an unbeaten 85 n.o. Left-arm spinner Shubhang Hegde (three for 33) and Kushal Wadhwani (two for 35) were the wicket-takers for Karnataka.

SCORES

Karnataka: 211 in 65.4 overs & 426 for 6 in 143 overs decl. (S.J. Nikin Jose 201 n.o., Aditya Somanna 51, Kishan S. Bedare 33, M.B. Darshan 20 n.o., N.A. Rathra 3 for 137) drew with Baroda: 307 in 107.3 overs & 116 for 7 in 40 overs (J.K. Singh 85 n.o., Shubhang Hegde 3 for 33, Kushal Wadhwani 2 for 35). Baroda: 3 points; Karnataka: 1.