Karnataka ready for Maha clash

I just try and be myself. I can’t be him, you know — Tagenarine Chanderpaul Former West Indian batsman Shivnarine’s son doesn’t want his father’s accomplishments to put unreasonable pressure on him

New Delhi: Karnataka have fluffed their lines during key moments this season and Maharashtra will be eager to cash in on it during their semi- final clash of the Vijay Hazare Trophy, here on Saturday. On paper, a batting line- up comprising Karun Nair ( 209 runs), Mayank Agarwal, ( 552 runs), Ravikumar Samarth ( 296 runs) and Stuart Binny can put any bowling line- up under pressure but Maharashtra’s little- known bowling attack has performed like a well- oiled machine throughout the tournament. Maharashtra have been very impressive from the start of the tournament topping the group league phase with 18 points and outplayed domestic giants Mumbai in the quarter- final with minimum fuss. The current form of Maharashtra gives them hope that they can be the proverbial David with a good chance of slaying the Goliath. “Ours has been a combined team effort. If you see, our team does not have any clear match winner like a Mayank Agarwal or Karun Nair, yet everyone has performed to their potential,” Maharashtra captain Rahul Tripathi said. For Maharashtra, the biggest challenge will be to get rid of Agarwal and Samarth, who added 242 runs for the second wicket against Hyderabad.