Inspiring bowling display by Karnataka’s spinners K. Gowtham (four for 20) and Shreyas Gopal (three for 43), enabled Karnataka to skittle out Assam for a paltry 145 in 59.1 overs on the first day of the four-day Ranji Trophy tie played at SDNR Wadiyar Platinum Jubilee University Grounds here yesterday. At close, Karnataka were sitting pretty at 77 for no loss in 30 overs.

Winning the toss and putting the rival’s to bat, Karnataka were in control from the beginning. Assam got off to a bad start losing their first wicket (1 for 20)  off opener Pallav Kumar Das snared behind the wickets by Gautham off skipper R. Vinay Kumar. Wickets fell at regular intervals and Assam were 60 for four at lunch.

In reply, Karnataka got off to a decent start with openers R. Samarth (47 n.o.) and Mayank Agarwal (26 n.o.) adding 77 runs unfinished for the opening wicket at close of play. An interesting day’s play is in the offing on the second day and with Karnataka’s strong batting line-up a big first innings total is on the cards.

The Scores

Assam: 145 in 59.1 overs (Gokul Sharma 55, Rishav Das 26,  Gowtham 4 for 20, Shreyas Gopal 3 for 43, R. Vinay Kumar 2 for 17) Vs Karnataka: 77 for no loss in 30 overs (R. Samarth 47 n.o., Mayank Agarwal 26 n.o.).