Ranji Trophy: Karnataka remain on top despite Jadhav ton

Hyderabad, Feb 1 (IANS) Maharashtra’s troubles in their Ranji Trophy final against Karnataka remained despite a fighting century from Kedar Jadhav on day four at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium here Saturday.

Jadhav (112 off 135 balls) took his team to 272 for six before getting out towards the end of day’s play. Maharashtra lead Karnataka only by 62 runs and their tail needs to fire if they are to put up a fighting target. Rohit Motwani (3 not out) and Shrikant Mundhe (3 not out) were in the middle.

Ankit Bawne (61 off 115 ) scored his second fifty of the game and gave vital support to Jadhav.

Karnataka, resuming the day at 474 for seven, were 515 all out in their first innings. Mahrashtra made 305 in the first attempt.

Their skipper Vinay Kumar led from the front, taking his match haul to seven with four wickets for 84 runs. Leggie Shreyas Gopal picked up two for 37.

A few would bet against Karnataka winning their first Ranji Trophy since 1998-99 considering the strong position they are in.