K'taka in sight of victory against Andhra

Mysore, Nov 18 (UNI) Karnataka are in signt of their first win reducing Andhra, chasing a target of 320, to 28 for 4 in their second knock on the penultimate day of the Elite group B tie for Ranji Trophy played here today.

At stumps Andhra captain Gnangeswara Rao (3) and ASK Varma (2) were at the crease.

Earlier Andhra, replying to Karnataka's 366, resumed their first innings at 161 for 7 but could make just 218, conceding a first innings lead of 148.

Rahul Dravid, playing the first match of the season, made a gritty 50, in Karnataka second innings but hosts crumbled for just 177. However, a target of 320 looked difficult to fathom for Andhra.

Medium Pacer Vijaykumar was the star performer for Andhra claiming six for 51 in the Karnataka second innings.

Earlier Andhra manged to avoid follow on thanks to the fine half century by M Suresh (54) but were allout for 218.

For Karnataka sunil joshi took five for 41 ably supported by the R Vinya Kumar 56/3 and N C Aiyappa 63/2.

Karnataka, which could gain just two points from as many matches played so far will have to win this match to keep their hopes alive to make it to the next round.

Brief score: Karnataka 366 and 171 (Rahul dravid 50, Manish Pandey 22, Thilak Naidu 21. P Vijyakumar 6 for 51, H Watakhar 2 for 11). Andhra 218 (V Manoj Sai, 70, M Suresh 54, G V Sharat Babu 25, Sunil Joshi 5 for 41, R V inya Kumar 3/56, N C Aiyappa 2/63) and 28/4 (Vinya Kumar 15/2).

UNI BSP RS TS1849