Mayank Agarwal slams triple ton, Karnataka on top vs Maharashtra in Ranji Trophy

Mayank Agarwal became the third player after Prashant Chopra and Hanuma Vihari to slam a triple century in the Ranji Trophy as Karnataka closed in on a big win against Maharashtra at the MCA stadium in Pune.

Mayank Agarwal starred for Karnataka and entered the record books as he smashed his maiden triple ton at the MCA stadium in Pune on Friday. Agarwal became the third batsman to smash a triple century in the 2017 Ranji Trophy. Prashant Chopra smashed 338 for Himachal Pradesh against Punjab while Hanuma Vihari registered a triple ton for Andhra Pradesh against Odisha.

Mayank Agarwal slammed a magnificent triple century to put Karnataka on top against Maharashtra in the 2017 Ranji Trophy encounter. (PTI)

At the Maharashtra Cricket Association ground at Gahunje, the third day read the same story as Karnataka batsmen maintained the upper hand and declared their innings after putting a mammoth total of 628-5. In reply, Maharashtra batting line again surrendered against the strong side and at the end of the day, hosts were trailing by 248 runs.

Rahul Tripathi, who rescued Maharashtra in the first innings, is at the crease with 33 runs while Ruturaj Gaikwad is on 61.

Earlier, Mayank added 85 runs to his overnight score of 219 to achieve the feat, while Karun Nair, who was at 56, added another century to his tally with 116. Mayank’s innings of 304 was dotted with 28 boundaries and four sixes.

Immediately, after he reached the magic figure, Karnataka decided to call the hosts for second time, declaring the innings at 628.

Brief score: Maharashtra 245, 135-2 (Ruturaj Gaikwad 61*), trail by 248 runs versus Karnataka 628-5 (R Samarth 129, Mayank Agarwal 304n.o, Karun Nair 116; Chirag Khurana 3-147)