A draw saw Karnataka reach the Ranji semi-finals after three years, as the final day against Punjab turned out to be inconsequential.
Both teams had extended batting practice at the Gangothri Glades ground after Punjab, conceding a first innings lead, appeared to have lost interest.
Overnight 165 for one, the visitors declared their second innings at 367 for six. The hosts were 42 for one when umpires called off play shortly after 3 pm.
Explaining the directionless batting, skipper Pankaj Dharmani, said: “We thought we'd try and put a good score on the board as the pitch had nothing in it for the bowlers.”
Rival skipper Rahul Dravid was surprised by the approach but had no complaints, as the 1999 winners were more than happy with the draw.
“The way they started, we thought maybe they'll go after the bowling, but I am glad we got the job done. We thought they will give us 50-70 overs to bat but anyway I am happy we did not have the pressure of batting out the last day,” he said.
Dravid was also full of praise for his young side, which has played well this season. "I think we have enough talent to reach the final. The youngsters have done really well. (Manish) Pandey played well and it was a good hundred under pressure," he said.
{{/usCountry}}Dravid was also full of praise for his young side, which has played well this season. "I think we have enough talent to reach the final. The youngsters have done really well. (Manish) Pandey played well and it was a good hundred under pressure," he said.
{{/usCountry}}The former India skipper was also hopeful of improving the fielding, which has been the only bother for the hosts.
“We can't drop catches as the teams will get better. We are working on it and hope to do better in the semis,” he said.