Karnataka were hoping for a win in a staggering innings total of 603 and won in the morning session follow-up, but Gore lasted 45 overs before the team agreed to a draw.
The obstinate Goa persistently refused to allow Karnataka to secure a clear victory in the Ranji He Trophy Elite ‘C’ match in Panaji on Friday.
Karnataka was forced to follow up in the morning session, hoping for his first innings victory against the backdrop of a huge total of 603. His second draft for Gore lasted him 45 overs until the teams agreed to a draw.
The home side were in no danger of conceding 3-150. Amogh Desai (25), Sumiran Amonkar (26), Suyash Prabhudessai (61 n.o.) and Snehal Kauthankar (21) fended off Karnataka’s bowling attacks.
It was a good game for Prabhudessai as he scored 87 in the first innings.
Karnataka were without service from fast bowler Ronit More on the final day. More nods during the evening session on the third day. Left-arm spinner Svan Hegde picked up a new ball and scalped Amonkar. Resuming the first essay of 8 for 321 overs, Gore scored 12.5 overs and added 52 runs to the tally. Skipper Darshan Misal was the last wicket to be dismissed for 95 by speedster Vyshak Vijaykumar.
With his 3 points in that game, Karnataka went up to his 13 points (1 win, 2 draws). Goa recorded his third draw in the same number of games.
Goa, who last met Karnataka at Ranji his trophy in 2001, would be pleased with the performance. Head coach Mansur Ali Khan, who coached the Karnataka team until a few years ago, would have reason to believe that the unit could ditch the minnow status and go head-to-head with traditional powerhouses.
It was a special 100th first-class appearance for Karnataka batsman Manish Pandey, who has built an incredible two centuries undefeated. Captain Mayank Agarwal said Pandey’s exploits make his team stronger.
“It bodes well for the team. 100 he plays a game is an achievement and it is great for Manish to reach his second century. He was very good looking and the shots he played were very good. He batted so well that the team threw him 15 to 20 extra overs,” Mayank said.
The score: Karnataka – 1st innings: 603/7 declared
Goa – 1st innings: Sumiran Amonkar c Sharath b Hegde 30, Amogh Desai b More 5, Suyash Prabhudessai lbw Hegde 87, Snehal Kauthankar c Pandey b Gowtham 21, Siddhesh Lad c Jose b Vyshak 63, Eknath Kerkar lbw b Gowtham 5, Darshan Misal c Jose b Vyshak 95, Arjun Tendulkar c Sharath b Vyshak 0, Mohit Redkar c Samarth b Gowtham 6, Lakshay Garg c Pandey b Hegde 38, Felix Alemao (not out) 0; Extras (b-4, lb-16, w-2, nb-1): 23; Total (in 121.5 overs): 373.
Fall of wickets: 1-22, 2-64, 3-128, 4-171, 5-196, 6-261, 7-263, 8-270, 9-369.
Karnataka bowling: Kaverappa 19.5-8-56-0, More 18.1-10-17-1, Gowtham 40-9-140-3, Vyshak 17.5-3-60-3, Hegde 26-4-80-3.
Goa – 2nd innings: Amogh Desai c Onat b Gowtham 25, Sumiran Amonkar c Jose b Hegde 26, Suyash Prabhudessai (not out) 61, Snehal Kauthankar lbw b Vyshak 21, Darshan Misal (not out) 10; Extras (b-4, lb-2, w-1): 7; Total (for three wkts, in 45 overs): 150.
Fall of wickets: 1-39, 2-75, 3-115.
Karnataka bowling: Kaverappa 6-1-25-0,Hegde 17-3-69-1, Vyshak 7-3-12-1, Gowtham 12-4-35-1, Jose 2-0-3-0, Samarth 1-1-0-0.