Ranji Trophy 2018-19, Semifinals, Day 1 - Review

Defending champions Vidarbha and eight-time champions Karnataka got off to a decent start on the first day of their respective Ranji Trophy semifinal clashes. A stupendous effort from Karnataka’s middle order saved their day big time whilst Umesh Yadav’s seven-wicket haul put Vidarbha on top against Kerala.

After winning the toss at the Chinnaswamy Stadium, Karnataka decided to bat first. Jaydev Unadkat gave a blazing start for Saurashtra as the hosts crumbled badly in the first 15 overs. At 30/4 in 15 overs, it seemed like the day will turn out to be a long one for the batting side, but skipper Manish Pandey came to Karnataka’s rescue.

He added a 106-run partnership with Shreyas Gopal and didn’t just steady the ship, but also accelerated the scoring rate. He piled up a 67-ball 62 which included 4 fours and 3 sixes. After Pandey was dismissed, Gopal continued his battle with Srinivas Sharath.

Both Gopal and Sharath registered fifties during their 96-run stand for the 6th wicket and their effort helped the home side get close to 250 on day 1. After Gopal was dismissed for 87, Sharath batted with the tail and took his side to a respectable 264/9 at stumps.

Brief Scores

Karnataka first innings: 264/9 in 90 overs (Manish Pandey 62, Shreyas Gopal 87, Srinivas Sharath 74*; Jaydev Unadkat 4/50)

Umesh lightning shatters Kerala

With two high-class fast bowlers in Rajneesh Gurbani and Umesh Yadav at disposal, Vidarbha were always going to be on top and that’s what happened. Their decision to bowl first after winning the toss paid off big time as their new ball bowlers wreaked havoc on Kerala’s home turf, Wayanad.

Kerala could barely stitch a partnership as wickets kept tumbling at regular intervals. Rajneesh Gurbani removed the dangerous Ponnam Rahul and Sachin Baby among the revered names, whilst Umesh ran past their middle order. Vishnu Vinod’s 50-ball 37 helped them register 106 runs in their first innings, with Umesh registering figures of 7/48.

Faiz Fazal registered yet another half-century whilst the danger man Wasim Jaffer was dismissed just before he was looking good to pile on another big knock. The skipper’s 142-ball 75 helped Vidarbha establish a 65-run lead at stumps on day 1, but a late flurry of wickets will definitely give Kerala some confidence heading into the second day.

Brief Scores

Kerala first innings: 106 all out in 28.4 overs (Vishnu Vinod 37*; Umesh Yadav 7/48, Rajneesh Gurbani 3/38)

Vidarbha first innings: 171/5 in 45 overs (Faiz Fazal 75, Wasim Jaffer 34; Sandeep Warrier 2/46)

Vidarbha lead by 65 runs.

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