K’taka truncate Punjab to second-lowest total

NT Bengaluru Seamless bowling from the seamers in addition to batting with a swagger capped off Day 1 of Karnataka’s Group C fixture with Punjab in the Ranji Trophy at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium on Thursday. The Shubman Gill led batting lineup capitulated to a paltry 55, the second lowest recorded here in first class cricket (Lowest: Mumbai, 44 in 2015). Karnataka skipper Mayank Agarwal’s decision to bowl first may have paid off, as four pacers were brought on, sacrificing a spinner. In-form Vasuki Koushik (4/16) and Abhilash Shetty(3/19) got things running pretty early, getting Prabhsimran Singh and newly elected India vice captain Gill.

Gill, like his colleagues in India’s top order playing for their state teams sans Virat Kohli, has failed to get on, with just four runs on the scoreboard. It was Shetty who meticulously kept bowling towards his firth stump, setting up an off-drive which was nicked and brilliantly caught by K L Shrijith. It seemed that the seamers had gained confidence, thanks to accurate bowling from Koushik. For Punjab, Ramandeep Singh and Mayank Markande were the only ones with double digit scores. Keeper Shrijith had a field day, as he had six catches to his name. Aneesh KV was given the opener’s slot which had raised eyebrows. Although he had shown some good shot selection, his poorly timed pull shot only found Jass Inder Singh at Midwicket. An over later, Skipper Agarwal also followed the course, getting out on LBW.

Devdutt Padikkal and Smaran R came on, and formed a 50 run partnership. Fresh off a game-changing ton in the final of the Vijay Hazare Trophy, Smaran showed composure and got his first half-century in his First class career. However, it was with wicketkeeper KL Shrijith that Smaran help build a 81 run partnership in the fourth wicket, ending the day with a lead of runs.