Ranji Trophy: Lokesh Rahul Fights Lone Battle as Haryana Bowlers Dominate Karnataka

If the opening day saw centurion Virender Sehwag at his vintage best, then Day 2 witnessed the domination of Haryana bowlers as the visitors packed Karnataka for 221 to grab a 110-run first innings lead in the Group A Ranji Trophy match in Mysuru. (Virender Sehwag Slams Breezy Ranji Trophy Ton for Haryana vs Karnataka)

Starting on their overnight score of 319 for eight, Haryana innings folded for 331 as Sehwag remained the top-scorer with 136. Jayant Yadav's 100 also remained unmatched.

Sharing the new ball with skipper Vinay Kumar, medium-pacer HS Sharath picked up a wicket to register his fourth five-wicket haul in first-class matches.

The visitors' domination though continued at the Srikantadatta Narasimha Raja Wadeyar Ground, with the bowlers coming out all guns blazing against the defending champions.

After star opener Robin Uthappa (5) fell early, Lokesh Rahul got down to the re-building job with a defiant 63.

Rahul's 80-run second-wicket partnership with Ravikumar Samarth (30) gave the hosts hope, but once the duo returned to the pavilion, the batting wobbled and finally fell.

Off-spinners Rahul Dagar (3-10) and Jayant Yadav (2-75) spun a web as wicketkeeper-batsman Chidhambharam Gautam (45 not out) ran out of partners from one end. The Karnataka innings lasted for 75.4 overs.

Vinay Kumar also contributed with a gutsy 34 as Harshal Patel, Ashish Hooda and Sanjay Budhwar bagged a wicket apiece.

Building on their lead, Haryana were 27 for no loss at stumps with Rahul Dewan (10) and Nitish Saini (13) staying firm.

Brief Scores:

Haryana 331 and 27/0 in 9 overs (Rahul Dewan 10 not out, Nitish Saini 13 not out; Vinay Kumar 0-9)

Karnataka 221 all out in 75.4 overs (Lokesh Rahul 63, Chidhambharam Gautam 45 not out; Rahul Dagar 3-10, Jayant Yadav 2-75).