Smaran’s fighting century lifts Karnataka to 274 against Andhra

Vijayawada: Karnataka captain Ravichandran Smaran scored a fighting century to steer his team to 274 all out in the first innings against Andhra on the opening day of their Ranji Trophy match at the Dr Gokaraju Laila Gangaraju ACA Stadium in Mulapadu, near Vijayawada, on Sunday. In reply, Andhra reached 16 for two at stumps after five overs, following an early setback in their first innings.

Karnataka captain Ravichandran Smaran won the toss and elected to bat first. He led his team’s recovery with a patient 126 off 218 balls, including 11 fours and a six. His innings proved crucial after Karnataka’s much-anticipated international stars KL Rahul, Mayank Agarwal and Karun Nair failed to make significant contributions. Their early dismissals disappointed local cricket enthusiasts, who had eagerly looked forward to watching the star players in action.

Andhra pacers KV Sasikanth and Kavuri Saiteja struck early to put Karnataka under pressure. Mayank Agarwal was dismissed for five, while KV Aneesh fell without scoring. KL Rahul managed only four runs before being caught behind off Sasikanth. Karun Nair, who scored eight, was trapped leg before wicket by Sasikanth, leaving Karnataka struggling at 22 for four in the eighth over.

With the top order back in the pavilion, Smaran steadied the innings and built partnerships to prevent a complete collapse. He found valuable support from wicketkeeper-batter Krishnan Shrijith, who scored 58 off 82 balls, hitting three fours and three sixes. The pair added 111 runs for the fifth wicket, taking Karnataka to 133 before Shrijith was dismissed by Saurabh Kumar.

Smaran continued to anchor the innings even as Andhra bowlers made regular breakthroughs. Manvanth Kumar contributed 13 before falling to Saurabh Kumar, while Rithesh Bhatkal managed six. Madhav Bajaj provided further support with a useful 33 off 53 balls, including three fours and a six. Their contributions helped Karnataka cross the 200-run mark. Saurabh Kumar emerged as Andhra’s most successful bowler, claiming three wickets. Sasikanth, Saiteja and Lalith Mohan took two wickets each, while Tripurana Vijay picked up one. Karnataka were eventually dismissed for 274 in 82.2 overs.

Andhra’s first innings also got off to a shaky start. M Hemanth Reddy was dismissed for one by Shikhar Shetty, while Tripurana Vijay fell for four to Madhav Bajaj. At five overs, Andhra were 16 for two, with Abhishek Reddy unbeaten on 10 and Shaik Rasheed on one.

Andhra will look to rebuild their innings on the second day, while Karnataka will aim to capitalise on the early breakthroughs and maintain pressure on the hosts.

Karnataka (1st innings): 274 all out in 82.2 overs. Ravichandran Smaran 126 (218b, 11x4, 1x6), Krishnan Shrijith 58 (82b, 3x4, 3x6), Madhav Bajaj 33 (53b, 3x4, 1x6).

Andhra bowling: Saurabh Kumar 3/69, Kavuri Saiteja 2/20, KV Sasikanth 2/10, Lalith Mohan 2/87. Andhra (1st innings): 16/2 in 5 overs. Abhishek Reddy 10* and Shaik Rasheed 1*

Karnataka bowling: Shikhar Shetty 1/8, Madhav

Bajaj 1/3.

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