Karnataka, set a tricky target of 184 to win by Maharashtra, are on course by ending up the third day of the elite Group ‘A’ Ranji Tie played at the SDNR Wadiyar Grounds, by scoring 54 for no loss in 20 overs at close of the play, with openers Devdutt Padikkal (33 n.o.) and D. Nischal (21 n.o.) at the crease. An interesting day’s play is in the offing, with Karnataka needing another 130-runs to seal a victory.

Maharashtra with gritty knocks from Ruturaj Gaikwad (89, 7×4, 1×6) and Naushad Shaik (73, 5×4, 1×6) added a crucial 106-runs for the seventh wicket and gave them a chance.

Maharashtra ended up scoring 256 in 97 overs. Skipper R. Vinay Kumar took three for 41 and was impressive. Leggie Shreyas Gopal was the most successful bowler taking four for 64 and was well supported by Pavan Deshpande who took two for 23.

Karnataka’s openers Devdutt Padikkal (33 n.o.) and D. Nischal (21 n.o.) batted comfortably and have added 54 runs in 20 overs and have given a decent start to the run chase.

SCORES

Maharashtra: 113 & 256 in 97 overs (Ruturaj Gaikwad 89, Naushad Shaikh 73, Satyajeet Bachhav 28, Shreyas Gopal 4 for 64, R.Vinay Kumar 3 for 41, Pavan Deshpande 2 for 23) Vs Karnataka: 186 & 54 for no loss in 20 overs (Devdutt Padikkal 33 n.o., D. Nischal 21 n.o.).