Karnataka in trouble-against Aandhra

Anantapur, Andhra Pradesh, Dec 27 (UNI) Former champions Karnataka were in trouble, losing two wickets for 35 runs while chasing a difficult target of 405 runs against hosts Andhra in the Ranji Trophy elite Group-A match being played here on the penultimate day today.

Karnataka lost opener Rowland for just two runs and Chougule for four, with the score at 31 in 11.5 overs. Uthappa (24 off 38 balls, 3x4) and night watchman Appanna (0) remained at the crease at stumps.

Andhra, resuming their second innings at the overnight score of 64/1 declared at 282 for nine after tea. This gave them an overall lead of 405 and enough time for the bowlers to try for four points from the game.

A S K Varma, first innings centurion, again did well, making a patient 81. He faced 169 deliveries that included nine hits to the fence and two sixers. He added 148 valuable runs for the second, third, fourth and fifth wickets with the help of Prasad Reddy, Venugopala Rao, and R V C Prasad before he was caught by Akhil off left arm spinner Sunil Joshi.

The other overnight batsman Prasad Reddy was the first to go after making a half century (52 off 176, 1x6). He stepped out for a big hit off Joshi, only to be stumped out by Naidu.

Shahabuddin was the only tailender who made an impressive 46 off 57 balls with three boundaries. Among the Karnataka bowlers, Vinay Kumar took 4/86 while Sunil Joshi finished with 3/71.

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