Maharashtra make cautious start

Hyderabad: Underdogs Maharashtra had every reason to smile at stumps on the first day of the Ranji Trophy final against formidable contender Karnataka at Rajiv Gandhi International cricket Stadium here on as sunny Wednesday.

They crawled to a comfortable position riding on half centuries from CG Khurana and Ankit Bawne after electing to bat. However, they began the innings on a disastrous note when their most prolific batsman of the season, Harshad Khadiwale (15) and the new hope of the nation Vijay Zol (5) fell in quick succession.

K M Jadhav, played a breezy knock during which he despatched skipper Vinay Kumar for three consecutive boundaries in the 26th over. But his cameo innings ended when he played a loose shot after contributing 37 crucial runs.

C G Khurrana and Ankit Bawne staged a post-lunch recovery to bring Maharashtra back into the game putting on a 54-run stand. Khurrana’s joy on reaching his half-century was shot-lived as Karun Nair got him plumb in front. He made 64.

Bawne put on an impressive 71-run stand with R H Motwani to help Maharashtra cross the 200-run mark towards the end of the second session. He did the bulk of scoring in the partnership to reach a deserving half-century.

Motwani fell soon after tea but Bawne (89) waged a lone battle with his unbeaten 89. S D Atitkar (29) was giving him company at close of play.

Abhimanyu Mithun was the only bowler who left a mark with his two-wicket haul.

Later, Motwani said the match was evenly poised. He said Thursday’s first session will be crucial for both sides He said a first innings total of 400 would help put pressure on the opponents

Brief scores: Maharastra 272/5 (A Bawne 89 not out, C G Khurrana 64, Abhimanyu Mithun 2/44) vs Karnataka