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Ranji Trophy 2014-15: Karnataka lose seven on Day 1 against Railways

Kunal Kapoor was the lone batsman to cross the 50-run mark.

Most of the batsmen were guilty of not converting their starts after Karnataka captain Vinay Kumar took a bold decision to bat on a challenging surface © AFP (File Photo)
Most of the batsmen were guilty of not converting their starts after Karnataka captain Vinay Kumar took a bold decision to bat on a challenging surface © AFP (File Photo)

New Delhi: Dec 21, 2014

Medium pacer Krishnakant Upadhyay’s inspiring spell on a greenish pitch helped Railways restrict defending champions Karnataka to 207 for seven on day one of their Ranji Trophy Group A cricket match here today.

Upadhyay (4/75) wrecked a formidable Karnataka top-order before fellow pacer Ranjitkumar Mali (2/43) did his bit to give the home team advantage going into day two.

The major contributions to Karnataka’s innings came at the top from opener Robin Uthappa (40 runs off 56) and number three Kunal Kapoor (53 off 110).

Most of the batsmen were guilty of not converting their starts after Karnataka captain Vinay Kumar took a bold decision to bat on a challenging surface. Early morning dew and poor light are usual in Delhi during this time of the year, and it was the lack of visibility that delayed the start of the match by one hour 15 minutes at the Karnail Singh Stadium.

The scheduled start time was 9.30 a.m. local time.

Upadhyay gave Railways the breakthrough in 14th over, getting Mayank Aggarwal (7) to edge one to Nitin Bhille at second slip.

Uthappa and Kapoor carried Karnataka into lunch at 53 for one in 17 overs. Uthappa was his usual attacking self, finding six boundaries in his quick-fire knock. However, one of India’s World Cup probables could only last three balls after lunch with Upadhayay getting him caught at second slip.

Uthappa was dropped on 37 before the break.

His dismissal brought the stylish Manish Pandey (18 off 19) to the crease. He seemed to be in a hurry and smashed three fours and a six before mistiming another hit to be caught at mid-off. Mali did not have to wait long for his second wicket as he trapped Karun Nair in front of the stumps, leaving Karnataka at 100 for four. By tea, the visitors were reeling at 165 for six in 53 overs.

Only 15 overs could be bowled in the final session when wicket-keeper CM Gautam (31 not out) came up with some rearguard action alongside Shreyas Gopal (14 not out) and took Karnataka past 200.

Kapoor was the lone batsman to cross the 50-run mark and he said his team would be satisfied if it reaches anywhere near 280.

“It was a two-paced wicket. Some balls kept low and some just skid through. Batting was not easy out there and we are looking at 280,” said Kapoor, who struck nine fours in his 110-ball knock.

Upadhyay, the star of the day for Railways, credited coach and former India player Harvinder Singh for his success.

“Our coach is a bowler and that helps immensely. What we discussed during training I tried to do that in the middle. Luckily for me it worked. Now it is important for us to dismiss Karnataka quickly tomorrow morning,” said Upadhyay. The 28-year-old has already taken 13 wickets in the competition.

Brief scores:

Karnataka 207 for 7 (Robin Uthappa 40, Kunal Kapoor 53; Krishnakant Upadhyay 4 for 74, Ranjitkumar Mali 2 for 43) vs Railways.

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