Karnataka held the upper hand at the end of the second day of the four-day Elite Group A and B Ranji Trophy tie against Maharashtra, when they had reduced their rivals to 48 for three in 34 overs in their second innings and were ahead by 25 runs, at the low-scoring game at the SDNR Wadiyar Grounds here yesterday.

Karnataka, resuming at their overnight score of 70 for three, were dismissed for 186 in 84.2 overs. Karnataka secured the vital first innings lead of 73-runs. Opener D. Nischal (39), Vice-Captain Shreyas Gopal (40) and Skipper R. Vinay Kumar (26) were the scorers for Karnataka. S.S. Bachhav was the most successful bowler for Maharashtra taking three for 43.

In their second innings, Maharashtra at close of play had scored 48 for three in 34 overs. Opener S.M. Gugle (0) departed early bowled by medium-pacer A. Mithun at the score of three runs on board. C.G. Khurana (18) and J.S. Pande (15) fell to the guile of leg-spinner Shreyas Gopal who took two for six which brought Karnataka back into the game. At close of play, R.D. Gaikwad (9 n.o) and S.S. Bachhav (4 n.o) were at the crease. An interesting day’s game is in the offing today.

Scores

Maharashtra 113 in 39.4 overs and 48 for three in 34 overs (R.D. Gaikwad 9 n.o, S.S. Bachhav 4 n.o, Shreyas Gopal two for six) Vs Karnataka 186 in 84.2 overs (Shreyas Gopal 40, D. Nischal 39, R. Vinay Kumar 26, S.S. Bachhav three for 43, A.A. Sanklecha two for 42, S. M. Fallah two for 35).