Karnataka struggles, Pawan hits ton

Mysore, Dec 10 (UNI) A fighting maiden ton by K B Pawan (batting 110) notwithstanding, hosts Karnataka were in trouble trailing by 29 runs against Saurashtra at close of second day's play in the Ranji Trophy Elite Group A Match here today.

Karnataka were 216 for nine in reply to the visitor's first innings knock of 245.

Visiting team's medium pacer Sandeep Joban Patra ripped through the home team's top order clipping two more to end the day with a brilliant haul of six for 69. Karnataka were at one stage 44 for four.

Standing tall amid the ruins was local lad Pawan (269 balls 9 x4 1x6), who added 73 runs for the sixth wicket with Skipper Yere Gowd (33) and 34 runs for the seventh wicket with Sunil Joshi (12) to arrest the slump. Rakesh Dhruve took two for 40 runs.

Earlier Saurasthra, overnight 229 for eight, added 16 runs more before Aiyappa removed both the overnight batsmen in two balls.

For Karnataka, R Vinyakumar took five for 70 runs while N C Aiyappa four for 57.

Brief scores: Saurasthra all out 245 ( Kanaiya Vaghela 37, Cheteswar Pujara 48, Jayadev Shah 34, Rakesh Dhruve 34, R Vinay Kumar 5 for 70, N C Aiyappa 4 for 57) Karnataka 216 for 9(K B Pawan batting 110, Yere Goud 33, Sandeep Jobhan Patra 6 for 69 , Rakesh Dhruve 2 for 40).

UNI