Karnataka takes honours on day one

A 142-run opening stand between Akil Mizra (54) and S Ponnappa (95 not out) helped Karnataka stamp their supremacy over Goa as they ended the first day at 178 for 1 in their first innings of their P Ramachandra Rao Trophy tournament match at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium on Wednesday. Earlier Goa were bundled out for 80 in their first innings.

Opting to bat, Goa were rocked by the Karnataka seamers Steve Lazarus (4 for 43) and Chaitra (2 for 18) who ran through the top order. Only two batsmen skipper A Jadhav (17) and S Jakati (17) were able to reach double figures. Then Karnataka's spinner Dharmichand (4 for 10) brought the innings to a swift end by cleaning up Goa's lower order. The innings lasted just 36.1 overs.

In reply, Mizra and Ponnappa forged their splendid century partnership off 39.2 overs. Goa had a lone success in the form of the wicket of Mizra when he offered a return chance to Jakati. During his 148-minute stay at the crease, Mizra faced 120 balls and hit four boundaries. Then Amith Kumar (15 not out) and Ponnappa remained unbeaten when stumps were drawn. Ponnappa has so far faced 158 balls and found the boundary ropes nine times and cleared it once.