Rajasthan make promising start against K'taka

Mysore, Dec 1 (UNI) Riding on the fine half centuries by opener Manish Sharma (68), Robin Bisht (62 batting) and Rohit Jalani (60 batting), Rajasthan made a promising start by scoring 266 for four against Karnataka on the opening day of the Elite Group A Ranji Trophy match here today.

With the pitch at Gangotri Glades proving batsman friendly, the young squad kept the Karnataka bowlers at bay as dubutant Manish and his opening partner Vinith Saxena (42) posted 120 after Rajasthan skipper Mohammed Aslam won the toss and elected to bat. Consolidating on the good foundation, Robin and Rohit in the middle order added a fruitful 107 runs for the fifth wicket to take Rajasthan to a position of strength, despite three wickets falling in quick succession.

Veteran left arm spinner Sunil Joshi was the most successful bowler for Karnataka with two for 61.

Manish and Vinith, who began on a cautious note provided a perfect start for the visitors adding 120 runs in 30.5 overs before Joshi struck trapping the former leg before. Two more wickets fell in at the same score of 126, but Robin who was joined by Rajesh Bishnoi (11) took the score to 159 before Rajesh fell to off spinner C Raghu.

Robin then took the Rajasthan team to safety in the company of Rohit.

It was a good turnaround for Rajasthan which had drawn a blank after losing all the three matches they have played so far.

Brief Scores: Rajasthan 266 for 4 (Manish Sharma 68, Vinith Sharma 42, Robin B1isht 62 batting, Rohit Jalani 60 batting, Sunil Joshi 2/61) vs Karn0ataka.

UNI