Rrobbin Uthappa hits century

Mysore, Nov 16 (UNI) A fine century by captain Robbin Uthappa (133) helped the hosts to reach 277 for 7 wickets on the opening day of the Ranji Trophy elite group match against Andhra Pradesh here today.

Karnataka winning the toss and batted first with a fine opening partnership of 106 runs between capitain Robbin Uthappa and K B Pawan and with no loss at the lunch time. Soon after the break Karnataka lost two quick wickets.

Before Robbin was in full flow and scoring runs joined by former Indian Capatain Rahul Dravid added 84 runs for the third wicket in 94 minutes. Roibbin who was caught at the slips by the Watekar of the bowling of rival capitan Gnaneshwara Rao with score reading 197 runs.

Robbin hit 16 fours and one six in 192 balls.

However, the Andhra bowlers came back in the game with taking four quick wickets after the tea break. First to go was C Raghu with a runout off a fine throw of A G Pradeep from the cover point with score reading 206.

During the next three overs Karnataka lost three more wickets leaving the team at precarious period at 241 for seven wickets.

Rahul Dravid(39) who was playing well was bowled by Kalayan Krishnan of a fine swing. The middle order of the Karnataka could not capatalise the good postion of the home team, but at the end of the day R Vinya Kumar batting with 27 runs and veteran Sunil Joshi not out 18 has made some repair works and played sensibly to put the break on fall of wickets further.

For Andhra team Kalyan Krishnan who took 2 wickets for 56 runs while P Vijyakumar, G V Sharat Babu, M Suresh and Gnaneshwara Rao took one wicket each.

Brief scores. Karnataka first innings 277 for 7 in 87 overs( K B Pawan 32, Robbin Uthappa 133, Rahul Dravid 39, R Vinyakumar not out 27, Sunil Joshi not out 18. Kalyan Krishnan 2 for 56) MORE UNI BSP SIV TS1933