Madhya Pradesh's Promising Start Unravels in Evening Session Against Karnataka
The opening day of the Ranji Trophy Elite Group B encounter between Madhya Pradesh and Karnataka at the Alur ground in Karnataka unfolded with dramatic twists on Thursday. Madhya Pradesh appeared poised for dominance, building a solid foundation before an evening-session collapse left them at 244 for 5 at stumps, squandering a strong position of 233 for 3.
Venkatesh Iyer and Patidar Anchor MP's Innings
Venkatesh Iyer was the standout performer for Madhya Pradesh, crafting a fluent 87 off 135 balls that included 12 fours. His partnership with captain Rajat Patidar frustrated the Karnataka bowlers, with Patidar contributing a brisk 30 off 48 balls, showcasing elegant drives and cuts. However, Patidar's dismissal came 13 balls later when he drove leg-spinner Shreyas Gopal straight to cover fielder K V Aneesh, ending a promising stand.
Late Collapse Triggers MP's Downfall
Venkatesh Iyer, the left-handed all-rounder, looked set for his third First-Class century before pacer V Vyshak set a clever bouncer trap. With just 7 overs remaining in the day, Venkatesh skied a hook shot to deep fine-leg, a lapse that sparked a rapid slide. This dismissal left Madhya Pradesh reeling at 244 for 5, undoing much of their earlier hard work and shifting momentum towards Karnataka.
Solid Opening and Middle-Order Contributions
Earlier in the day, after winning the toss and opting to bat first, opener Himanshu Mantri displayed resilience with a patient 39 off 151 balls in a near three-hour stay before being adjudged lbw to Vyshak. Shubham Sharma added 33 off 151 balls, including 2 fours, showing determination until he fell to a reflex catch by substitute wicketkeeper Kruthik Krishna off Shreyas Gopal's bowling.
Karnataka's Challenges and Bowling Efforts
Karnataka faced their own setbacks during the day, with captain Mayank Agarwal retiring ill and wicketkeeper K L Shrijith leaving the field due to a finger injury. Despite these concerns, Vyshak, who had been cleared after a concussion, led the hosts' bowling attack effectively, finishing with key wickets to keep his team in the contest.
As stumps were drawn, Madhya Pradesh were left to rue missed opportunities, particularly Venkatesh Iyer's near-century and the late collapse. However, they still hold a slender edge heading into Day 2, with the match finely balanced and both teams eager to capitalize on the early exchanges in this crucial Ranji Trophy fixture.
