Karnataka build formidable lead at Nagpur

Registering a strong first-innings lead, Karnataka proceeded to boost their advantage in the second innings of their Ranji Trophy plate group semi-final against Vidarbha at Nagpur on Wednesday.

Karnataka's first challenge as the third day started was to bowl Vidarbha out cheaply. They may have let their rivals get away with more runs than expected; from 129 for six, Vidarbha managed to reach 236, avoiding the follow-on but still 128 runs behind in the first innings.

Left-arm spinner Sunil Joshi took five wickets for 45 runs in his 26.5 overs, the pick of the Karnataka bowlers on the day. Minor but important knocks in the 20s from Vidarbha tail-enders Pritam Gandhe, M Acharya and MA Sheikh enabled the hosts to cross the 200-run mark.

Karnataka made a fine start to their second innings, with openers J Arunkumar and Barrington Rowland putting on 103 runs for the first wicket. Rowland made 36 and was the first to fall, but Arunkumar notched up 78 off 106 balls with 11 fours and one six.

The middle-order proved less solid, however, and Vidarbha contrived to have the visitors at 181 for five by the close of play, with Deepak Chougule and Sunil Joshi - fine bats in their own right - at the crease. But Karnataka already has a lead of 309 runs, and with an entire day to go, they must be firm favourites to win this match.