Buchi Babu cricket: Karnataka on top against Kerala

Chennai: Karnataka, after dismissing Kerala for 137, were well on way to taking the first innings lead as they were 100 for four at stumps on the first day of the Buchi Babu Trophy All-India cricket tournament here Sunday.

Only Robert Fernandez (43) offered any worthwhile resistance when Kerala batted as left-arm spinner KP. Appanna came away with four wickets and seamer Abhimanyu complemented with three. In reply, Karnataka lost wickets at regular intervals after openers KB. Pawan (32) and Robin Uthappa (32) provided a good start while KR. Sreejith and S. Anish picked up two wickets apiece. Brief scores Kerala 137 in 61.2 overs (Robert Fernandez 43, KP Appanna 4 for 35, Abhimanyu Mithun 3 for 36) vs Karnataka 100 for 4 in 22 overs (KB Pawan 32, Robin Uthappa 32, KR Sreejith 2 for 35, S Anish 2 for 21).