K'taka wrests initiative against Andhra

Mysore, Nov 17 (UNI) A fine spell of spin bowling by veteran Sunil Joshi (4/23) left Andhra struggling at 161 for seven against Karnataka in the first knock on the second day of the Elite group B tie for Ranji Trophy played here today.

Replying to hosts 366, Andhra lost wickets quite too often as Joshi found the second day's wicket at Gangotri Glades grounds to his liking. Speedster N C Ayyappa made early dents claiming two wickets and then Joshi took over leaving he visitors tottering at six for 57 at one stage.

Andhra's innings was resurrected somewhat by the seventh wicket pair of Manoj Sai 70 (106b 11x4) and M Suresh (batting 29) who added a face saving 104 runs.

Earlier Karnataka, resuming at 277 for seven, added 89 more runs to compile a respectable first innings score. In an allround act Joshi struck a valuable 65 with nine hits to the fence, while Aiyappa supported the veteran with 34.

Kalyan Krishna was the most successful bowler for Andhra claiming four wickets for 85 runs.

Brief scores: Karnataka I Innings (overnight 277/7) 366 (Vinya Kumar 27, Sunil Joshi 65, N C Aiyappa 34, Kalyan Krishna 4/85).

Andhra I innings 161/7 (V Manoj Sai 70, M Suresh batting 29, Sunil Joshi 4/23, N C Aiyappa 2/52).

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