Goud toys with Saurashtra

Karnataka assure themselves a place in the last four by batting Saurashtra out of the game in the last Group A match, writes G Krishnan.

Karnataka continued to make waves under the guidance of former India medium-pacer Venkatesh Prasad. Struggling for survival in the Super League Division in the last couple of seasons, Karnataka have assured themselves a place in the last four by batting Saurashtra out of the game in the last Group A match in Rajkot on Thursday.

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Whatever threat Karnataka, second with 15 points below Baroda (17), faced from third-placed Andhra (12) at the start of this round, was cleared as Andhra were facing an innings defeat at Kanpur.

To be sure of itself, irrespective of the results from the other matches, Karnataka posted a mammoth 570 in their first innings, with captain Yere Goud remaining unbeaten on 171.

At stumps, the home team gave a fitting reply, making 103 without loss from 23 overs. Sagar Jogiyani hit Karnataka bowlers to all parks of the ground for an unbeaten 62 and was supported well by left-hander Kanaiya Vaghela, who was on 32.

The main reason for Karnataka piling up close to 600 was two big partnerships towards the end. Skipper Goud played calmly and responsibly to post a monumental knock.