Ranji Trophy: Rahul, Gautham prop up Karnataka

Mysore - Unbeaten centuries by opener K.L. Rahul (145 not out, 15×4) and C.M. Gautham (129 not out, 11×4) and their 256-run partnership for the third wicket propped up Karnataka overcame a poor start to reach 308 for two at stumps on the first day of the Group B Ranji Trophy game against Vidharbha here on Saturday.

Put into bat, Karnataka slipped to 52 for two as they lost opener Robin Uthappa (14) and No.3 Ganesh Sathish (0) by the 16th over, both falling to new ball bowler Sandeep Kumar.

However, Rahul and Gautham came together to take Karnataka to relative safety with their unfinished stand for the third wicket.

Brief scores: Karnataka (First innings) 308 for 2 in 90 overs (K.L. Rahul 145 n.o., C.M. Gautham 129 n.o.; Sandeep Kumar 2 for 45) vs Vidharbha.