Sparkling century by Dravid, Karnataka 271/4 against HP

Bangalore, Nov 15 (UNI) A sparkling century by former Indian captain Rahul Dravid (121) and his 131 run partnership for the second wicket with opener K B Pawan (56) enabled Karnataka pile up 271 for four wickets in the first innings against Himachal Pradesh in the Ranji Trophy elite 'A' superleague match played in M Chinnaswamy Stadium here today.

Vice Captain Yere Goud (8) and V S Thilak Naidu (3) were at the crease on conclusion of the day's play.

Belting his second successive three figure mark to silence his critics, Dravid chose the match as a platform to prepare for the test series against Pakistan as he followed up his double ton against Mumbai last week with a brilliant century. Playing at his usual slot three, Dravid slammed four sixes and hit 12 boundaries in 180 deliveries in his 251 minute stay.

However, seamer Vikramjeet Malik got the prized scalp as he clean bowled Dravid with a ball that kept low.

C Raghu also made a useful contribution of 58 before falling to a superb bowling by leg spinner Vishal Bhatia.

Bhatia and Malik, who claimed two wickets each, were the most successful bowlers for the visitors.

Brief Score: First Innings: Karnataka 271 for four in 91 overs (K B Pawan 58, Rahul Dravid 121, C Raghu 58, Vikramjeet Malik 2/53, Vishal Bhatia 2/73).

UNI