The Karnataka vs Punjab Ranji Trophy clash remains finely balanced after an absorbing second day of action in the final-round Elite Group B fixture at the IS Bindra PCA Stadium, Mohali. Punjab’s disciplined bowling, led by their spinners, ensured the hosts stayed marginally ahead as Karnataka ended Day Two at 255 for 6 in their first innings, trailing by 54 runs.
The pitch continued to offer significant assistance to spin, and Punjab’s left-arm duo made full use of the conditions to apply pressure throughout the day. With four wickets still in hand, Karnataka will aim to wipe out the deficit early on Day Three and push for a crucial first-innings lead in this high-stakes Ranji Trophy encounter.
Punjab Wrap Up First Innings Quickly
Punjab resumed their first innings on the second morning at 303 for 9 but could add only six runs before being bowled out for 309. Karnataka’s bowlers wasted little time in cleaning up the tail, keeping the damage to a minimum.
Vidhyadhar Patil emerged as the standout performer with the ball for Karnataka, claiming four wickets, while experienced all-rounder Shreyas Gopal chipped in with three crucial scalps. Their efforts ensured Punjab did not stretch their total beyond reach.
Punjab First Innings – Score Summary
| Team | Innings Total |
|---|---|
| Punjab | 309 all out |
| Top Bowlers (Karnataka) | Figures |
|---|---|
| Vidhyadhar Patil | 4 wickets |
| Shreyas Gopal | 3 wickets |
Solid Opening Stand Gives Karnataka Momentum
In response, Karnataka made a confident start despite the challenging surface. Openers KL Rahul and Mayank Agarwal displayed composure and intent, putting together a vital opening partnership that laid a strong foundation.
Rahul looked fluent during his stay, mixing caution with authority to score 59 runs, while Agarwal supported him well with a composed 46. Their partnership briefly shifted momentum in Karnataka’s favour and neutralised Punjab’s early spin threat.
However, Punjab struck back just when Karnataka seemed to be gaining control. Off-spinner Emanjot Chahal broke the stand by dismissing Agarwal, while left-arm spinner Harpreet Brar removed Rahul shortly after, triggering a mini-collapse.
Spin Duo Turns the Game for Punjab
Harpreet Brar proved to be the most influential bowler of the day. Extracting sharp turn and bounce, he consistently troubled Karnataka’s middle order and finished the day with impressive figures of 4 for 101. Chahal played a steady supporting role, picking up one wicket and keeping things tight from the other end.
Karnataka lost wickets at regular intervals following the openers’ departure, but lower-order resistance ensured they stayed in the contest.
Karnataka First Innings-Day 2 Scorecard (At Stumps)
| Batsman | Runs |
|---|---|
| KL Rahul | 59 |
| Mayank Agarwal | 46 |
| Shreyas Gopal* | 42 |
| Vidhyadhar Patil* | 23 |
*Not out
| Top Bowlers (Punjab) | Figures |
|---|---|
| Harpreet Brar | 4/101 |
| Emanjot Chahal | 1/55 |
At stumps, Shreyas Gopal and Vidhyadhar Patil were unbeaten at the crease, navigating a testing phase and ensuring Karnataka reached 255 for 6. With only a small deficit separating the sides, Day Three promises to be pivotal in deciding the direction of the match.
Desai’s Double Century Dominates Chandigarh as Saurashtra Take Control
Elsewhere in Elite Group B, Saurashtra tightened their grip on their clash against Chandigarh thanks to a monumental batting display by wicketkeeper-batter Harvik Desai at the Cricket Stadium, Sector 16.
After dismissing Chandigarh for a modest 136 in the first innings, Saurashtra responded with authority. Desai led the charge with an unbeaten double century, steering his side to a commanding declared total of 453 for 3.
Desai’s Marathon Knock Breaks Chandigarh’s Resistance
Desai’s innings was a masterclass in concentration and shot selection. He remained unbeaten on 200, lacing his knock with 21 boundaries and a towering six. His effort was well supported by Jay Gohil (98) and Arpit Vasavada (96), both of whom fell agonisingly short of centuries.
Chandigarh’s bowlers rotated through various combinations in search of breakthroughs, but success was limited. Jagjit Singh Sandhu, Karthik Sandil, and Rohit Dhanda managed to claim one wicket each, though they struggled to contain Saurashtra’s dominance.
Saurashtra vs Chandigarh-Key Scores
| Team | Innings Score |
|---|---|
| Chandigarh | 136 all out |
| Saurashtra | 453/3 declared |
| Top Scorers (Saurashtra) | Runs |
|---|---|
| Harvik Desai* | 200 |
| Jay Gohil | 98 |
| Arpit Vasavada | 96 |
*Not out
By the end of Day Two, Chandigarh reached 31 without loss in their second innings but still trailed by a massive 286 runs, leaving Saurashtra firmly in control heading into the next phase of the match.
Also read: Saurashtra Cricket Team: History, Players, Achievements, and Domestic Legacy
What to Expect on Day 3 – Karnataka vs Punjab Ranji Trophy
The Karnataka vs Punjab Ranji Trophy contest is delicately poised, with Karnataka needing a strong lower-order contribution to avoid conceding a significant first-innings lead. Meanwhile, Punjab will look to strike early and press home their advantage.
In the Saurashtra-Chandigarh fixture, all eyes will be on how quickly Saurashtra’s bowlers can force a result and seal maximum points.
