Assam take first innings lead against Karnataka in Ranji

Guwahati: Pallavkumar Das (55) and Amit Verma (57) came up with twin fifties as Assam grabbed a crucial first innings lead over defending champions Karnataka after posting 194 all out on the second day of their Group A Ranji Trophy cricket match here today.

Overnight batsmen Pallavkumar and Gokul Sharma (30) forged a crucial 82-run stand, while Arun Karthik and Verma added 42 runs for the fourth wicket to help Assam surpass Karnataka's first innings total of 187 all out at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium.

At the draw of stumps, Karnataka had reached 77 for no loss with opening batsmen R Samarth (33) and MA Agarwal (44) at the crease.

Among Karnataka bowlers, Vinay Kumar (2/20), S Gopal (2/43) and KK Nair (2/11) snapped two wickets each, while H S Sharath, Jagadeesha Suchith and R Samarth picked one each.

Resuming at overnight score of 21 for one, Pallavkumar and Sharma continued their good work and stayed on the crease for more than 20 overs today before the latter was dismissed by Suchith in the 33rd over.

One over later, Pallavkumar was sent back to the hut by Nair, who trapped him in front of wicket.

New man Arun then joined hands with Verma and took Assam beyond the 100-run mark but Vinay Kumar dismissed the former to reduce Assam to 133-4.

The slide started after that as none of the batsmen could reach double figures and Verma was left stranded at the other end.

In the 78th over, Verma was also back in the pavillion when he was dismissed by S Gopal.

Brief Scores:

Karnataka: 187 all out in 75.2 overs and 77 for no loss in 21 overs (Ravikumar Samarth 33 batting; Mayank Agarwal 44 batting).

Assam 1st Innings: 194 all out in 78.5 overs (Pallavkumar Das 55, Amit Verma 57; R Vinay Kumar 2/20, Shreyas Gopal 2/43, Karun Nair 2/11).