Ranji Trophy: Pandey, Pawan propel Karnataka

Half centuries from Manish Pandey (66) and K B Pawan (52) helped Karnataka make a steady 255 for four on the opening day of their Ranji Trophy semi-final against Uttar Pradesh at the M Chinnaswamy stadium.

A composed Rahul Dravid (37 not out) and R Vinay Kumar (7 not out) were at the crease, promising to consolidate hosts' position on a hurriedly prepared slow and low deck.

Opting to bat, Karnataka began on a sedate note with Robin Uthappa (32) and K B Pawan producing a 42-run stand for the first wicket.

Uthappa was in good nick before committing hara kiri, unsuccessfully attempting to paddle sweep left arm spinner Praveen Gupta.

Umpire Sanjay Hazare had no hesitation whatsoever in adjudging Uthappa leg before the wicket.

Pawan, a prolific run-getter this season, frustrated Uttar Pradesh with his dour defence in the company of a confidence-personified Ganesh Satish (49).

They were in complete command before left-arm medium pacer R P Singh produced two wickets in five balls, having Pawan and Satish snared behind the wickets by Amir Khan.

But Dravid, in imperious form this Ranji season, and Manish Pandey thwarted the sudden Uttar Pradesh surge, raising 108 runs for the fourth wicket.

Pandey was the dominant partner, punching through the off and driving through the on with élan. His stroke play and timing was a treat to watch, as he caressed the cherry with effortless ease to the pickets.

With his bowlers unable to find the breakthrough, Mohammad Kaif summoned the second new ball close to the end of first day's play.

It paid dividend as Pandey, who had taken his season's aggregate to a whopping 724 runs, waved his willow at a distant Praveen Kumar delivery for Kaif to complete an overhead catch at the second slip.

Brief Score:
Karnataka: 255 for four in 95 overs (M Pandey 66, K Pawan 52; RP Singh 2/53).

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