Karnataka’s Samarth hits ton

DHARAMSALA: SAMARTH ANCHORED THE INNINGS AFTER THE VIJAY HAZARE TROPHY CHAMPIONS LOST MAYANK AGARWAL AND KARUN NAIR CHEAPLY

Ravikumar Samarth struck his second century of the tournament by top-scoring with 107 as Karnataka scored 279 for eight against India B in the Deodhar Trophy one-day tournament final on Thursday.

Samarth anchored the innings after the Vijay Hazare Trophy champions lost openers Mayank Agarwal (14) and skipper Karun Nair (10) cheaply, after Karnataka elected to bat.

After scoring 117 and 85 in the first two wins, the 25-year-old shared in a 132-run fifth wicket stand with wicketkeeper CM Gautam, who also underlined his form by scoring 76 (84 b, 6x4, 2x6).

Samarth (107 – 120 b, 8x4, 1x6) though anchored the innings before falling to leg-spinner Khaleel Ahmed off the final delivery of the 49th over.

Shreyas Gopal scored 38 down the order to help Karnataka put up a challenging total on a good pitch to bat on.

India pacer Umesh Yadav, frustrated after not getting a game in South Africa, claimed two wickets, including that of Nair after the prolific Agarwal was run out.

Off-spinner Jayant Yadav, recently awarded a central contract, was the most expensive among the India B bowlers as he conceded 71 runs from his quota of 10 overs. Siddarth Kaul conceded 61 runs.

Karnataka beat both India A and India B to make the final of the 50-over event. India B stumbled against Karnataka after brushing aside India A in the tournament opener.

Brief Scores: Karnataka 279/8 in 50 overs (R Samarth 107, CM Gautam 76, S Gopal 38, U Yadav 2/48, K Ahmed 3/49) v India B.