CM Gautam remained unbeaten on 63
Bhubaneswar: Dec 6, 2011
Wicketkeeper-batsman CM Gautam struck a fighting unbeaten half-century as Karnataka lost wickets at regular interval to finish the opening day at 283 for six against Orissa in their Ranji Trophy Elite Group A match.
Gautam (63 batting) has so far struck eight fours in his 141-ball innings.
The 77-run opening wicket stand between Robin Uthappa (37) and K B Pawan (29) gave Karnataka a solid platform but the team's middle-order let the advantage slip as the side slumped from 77 for one to 130 for five.
At stumps, Gautam and Sunil Raju (8) were holding the fort with the Haladhar Das led Orissa having the slight advantage.
After Das elected to field, medium pacers Alok Mangaraj and Biplab Samantray vindicated their skipper's decision by reducing Karnataka to 130 for five at one stage.
While Mangaraj finsihed with impressive figures of three for 66, Samantary had two for 22.
Gautam and Amit Verma (39) added 85 valuable runs for the sixth wicket, which took the visitors to a respectable position.
Verma hit six fours during his 120-ball vigil at the crease.
Brief Scores: Karnataka 238 for 6 in 90 overs (CM Gautam 63*, Amit Verma 39; Alok Mangaraj 3 for 66, Biplab Samantray 2 for 22) vs Orissa.
