Ranji Trophy 2026-27: Saurashtra continues to haunt Karnataka as batters secure draw on final day
Karnataka’s fate was more or less sealed on Tuesday when it allowed the last two Saurashtra batters to add 46 runs and secure a narrow seven-run first-innings lead. On the final day, the visitors ensured that Karnataka had no route back.
Saurashtra’s status as Karnataka’s bete noire remained unchanged as it walked away with three points in the drawn Ranji Trophy encounter at the Alur Grounds near here on Wednesday.
The last seven fixtures between the sides has now seen Saurashtra win four times and take the first-innings lead thrice.
Karnataka’s fate was more or less sealed on Tuesday when it allowed the last two Saurashtra batters to add 46 runs and secure a narrow seven-run first-innings lead. On the final day, the visitors ensured that Karnataka had no route back.
Courtesy K.V. Aneesh’s second half-century of the match (79, 159b, 5x4, 1x6) and K.L. Shrijith’s second of his First Class career (52, 76b, 5x4), Karnataka declared at 243 for seven (overnight 99 for two), setting Saurashtra a 237-run target from 49 overs.
But once opener Harvik Desai chopped on a delivery from medium-pacer Manvanth Kumar as early as the sixth over, Saurashtra decided to shut down the contest, take the three points on offer and swell its season’s tally to six.
Jaydev Unadkat’s side did bat until the 42nd over, allowing one-drop Chirag Jani to accumulate 63 unbeaten runs (117b, 7x4, 2x6) and the total to reach 137. But it appeared more like a practice session ahead of its next match against Assam at home.
Karnataka coach R. Vinay Kumar remained upbeat despite having just two points after two games. The former India bowler counted Manvanth Kumar’s back-to-the-wall century (135, 214b, 11x4, 6x6) and Vidwath Kaverappa’s four-wicket haul (four for 57) – both in the first essay – as big positives.
Fielding and decision-making by the batters were areas for improvement, he stated, ahead of the Tripura fixture starting on Monday in Mysuru.
“The points table says something else but I think we are on track,” Vinay told reporters. “We didn’t start well. It was not that easy to bat first under cloudy conditions. But it was a good game.”
Published on Oct 21, 2026
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