Ranji Trophy 2017-18: Karnataka bowlers wreck Assam’s top order

Mysuru: Karnataka had a perfect start to their 2017-18 Ranji Season campaign with bowlers wrecking Assam’s top order sending four of its batsmen back to pavilion at the stroke of lunch on Day 1 of their match at SDNR Wadiyar Stadium in Manasagangothri here this morning. Winning the toss and electing to field first, skipper Vinay Kumar and Abhimanyu Mithun did what they do best and that is not to give easy runs. While, Vinay was able to scalp a couple of wickets in his seven overs spell, Mithun went wicket-less. The first breakthrough came in the 9th over, when opener Pallav Kumar Das nicked one from Vinay Kumar that was easily snapped by wicket keeper C.M. Gautham when the score was 20. Later, Stuart Binny sent Pritam Debanth packing for naught while the score was 29. Just as it seemed Assam was recuperating from the early loss of wickets, leg spinner Shreyas Gopal struck a blow in the 27th over to send opener Rishav Das back to pavilion. Das and Sibsankar Roy had added 28 runs for the third wicket partnership. And when the Umpires were just about to call ‘Lunch’, Vinay Kumar struck again and this time it was Sibsankar Roy who had scored 17 runs of 55 balls. Karnataka has started its season without its frontline batsmen Manish Pandey and K.L. Rahul who have been selected for the national duty. Meanwhile, Karun Nair has also been named to represent the Board President’s XI team, which will play a warm- up match against the touring Kiwis. The State team will also miss the services of Robin Uthappa, who has moved to Saurashtra. Come what may, with bowlers giving a solid start, Karnataka seems to have gained the upper hand in the match. But, as all know cricket being a funny game, Assam might bounce back.