Fighting knocks by youngster Devdutt Padikkal (69 n.o., 153b, 4×4) and skipper Karun Nair (62 n.o., 150b, 4×4), helped hosts Karnataka’s fight-back in their second innings on the third-day of the four-day Elite Group Ranji Trophy encounter played at the SDNR Wadiyar Platinum Jubilee University Grounds here yesterday. At close of play on the third day, Karnataka had scored 191/3 in 67 overs, before bad light stopped play early.

Himachal bowled out

Resuming at their overnight score of 235/7, Himachal Pradesh were bowled out for 280 in 107.4 overs. The enterprising Rishi Dhawan (72 n.o. overnight), continued his dominance against the Karnataka bowlers and scored at will, and was the last man out for a well compiled 93 runs. Medium-pacer V. Koushik impressed for Karnataka with figures of 4/59, while left-arm fast bowler Prateek Jain 3/54 and A. Mithun 2/47 lent him good support.

Himachal Pradesh gained the vital first innings lead of 114-runs.

In the second innings, Karnataka started sedately with openers Mayank Agarwal (34, 58b, 5×4) and D. Nischal (9) adding 34-runs for the opening wicket before the later departed bowled by Rishi Dhawan. Karnataka were 2/51. R. Samarth fell leg-before for nought, and Karnataka were struggling at 3/55.

Nair, Padikkal in rescue act

Skipper Karun Nair and left-hander Devdutt Padikkal batted steadily and have been involved in a unfinished 136-run partnership for the fourth wicket.

It remains to be seen if Himachal Pradesh can take advantage of the new ball due after 14

overs on the final morning and skittle out Karnataka early so that the match becomes a interesting contest.

On the other side, if Karnataka could pile up some useful runs in the first session and gain a sizable lead, they can try for a outright win. An absorbing final day’s play is in the offing.

Brief Scores

Karnataka: 166 in 67.2 overs & 191/3 in 67 overs (Mayank Agarwal 34, Devdutt Padikkal 69 n.o., Karun Nair 62 n.o., Rishi Dhawan 3/56) Vs Himachal Pradesh: 280 in 107.4 overs (Priyanshu Khanduri 69, Nikhil Gangta 46, Rishi Dhawan 93, V. Koushik 4/59, Prateek Jain 3/54, A. Mithun 2/47).