Karnataka poised for victory over Goa

At the end of a day of swift developments, Karnataka are poised for victory against Goa in their South Zone Ranji Trophy league match at Margao. At stumps on the third day, having made 25 without loss, Karnataka just need another 94 runs for a win.

At 158 for four in reply to Goa's first innings score of 303, Karnataka's position was pretty shaky when play resumed. Barrington Rowland was out for 80 this morning and Karnataka was down in the dumps at 175 for six. But B Akhil (79) and D Ganesh (36) revived their hopes with a seventh wicket partnership of 99 runs from 29 overs. Akhil faced 145 balls and hit six of them to the ropes. The tail contributed usefully and Karnataka were able to take a small but unexpected lead of 18 runs.

Having obtained the psychological edge, Karnataka now pressed hard and medium pacers Dodda Ganesh (4 for 52) and Mansur Ali Khan (4 for 24) quickly brought about the end of the Goa second innings. Goa were six down for 34 but Tanveer Jabbar (40) and wicketkeeper A Bhagwat (51) added 78 runs for the seventh wicket off 16 overs. But once this stand was broken there was precious little batting and Goa folded up for 136. Requiring 119 runs for victory, Karnataka openers J Arun Kumar and Mithun Beerala came through unbeaten at stumps.