Aravind, Suchith help Karnataka take 40-run first innings lead

Bengaluru, Oct 17: Left-arm bowlers S Aravind and J Suchith claimed 4 wickets each as Karnataka snatched a crucial 40-run first innings lead against Vidarbha in a Ranji Trophy match here today.

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Paceman Aravind had figures of 4/46 in 23.4 overs while orthodox spinner Suchin took 4/51 (21 overs) on the 3rd and penultimate day of their Group A game at M Chinnaswamy Stadium. Thanks to their efforts, Vidarbha were bowled out for 310 in 118.4 overs in reply to Karnataka's 350.

In the second innings, the defending champions were 93/1 in 41 overs at close of play, extending their overall lead to 133 runs. Robin Uthappa scored 46. KL Rahul was unbeaten on 34 and R Samarth not out on 8.

Both teams fought hard for the first innings lead with Vidarbha captain S Badrinath leading the visitors' response after losing his overnight partner Ganesh Satish (81) off the 2nd ball of the day to Aravind.

Right-handed Badrinath, who moved to Vidarbha from Tamil Nadu last season, looked set to take his team past Karnataka's total. However, he was sent back by Suchith for a well-made 92 (314 minutes, 216 balls, 12x4). He was the 8th wicket to fall and this triggered a collapse as Vidarbha lost their final 3 wickets at the same score (310).

In the space of 9 balls and 9 minutes after lunch, Vidarbha lost their last 3 batsmen - Badrinath, Swapnil Bandiwar (0) and Akshay Wakhare (19). Badrinath and Wakhare had a 42-run partnership for the 8th wicket raising hopes of a lead.

Brief Scores (At close of play on Day 3)

Karnataka 93/1 in 41 overs (Robin Uthappa 46, KL Rahul 34 batting) and (First innings) 350 Vs Vidarbha (First innings) 310 all out in 118.4 overs (S Badrinath 92, Ganesh Satish 81, Wasim Jaffer 68, S Aravind 4/46, J Suchith 4/51)

State of the match - Karnataka lead by 133 runs

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