Ranji Trophy: Karnataka tighten grip after mammoth 736; Uttarakhand reeling at 149/5

LUCKNOW: It would not be misplaced to call Vidyadhar Patil Karnataka’s most improved cricketer this season. Disciplined with the ball, economical across formats and reliable under pressure, the 25-year-old has quietly become a vital cog in the side. On Tuesday at the Ekana Cricket Stadium here, he once again underlined his growth — first with a maiden first-class half century and then with a probing opening spell that pushed Uttarakhand further into a corner.When stumps were drawn on Day 3 of their Ranji Trophy semifinal, Karnataka had all but sealed control. After being bowled out for an imposing 736 — their third-highest total in tournament’s history — the eight-time champions reduced Uttarakhand to 149/5 in 69 overs. With two days remaining, the debutants face a daunting deficit of 587 runs.The morning began with Karnataka resuming their march toward a monumental total. R Smaran (135; 216b; 12x4) signalled the 700-run mark with a straight drive boundary past bowler Abhay Negi. However, his stay thereafter was brief. Attempting to step out against left-arm spinner Mayank Mishra (3/173), the southpaw was beaten in flight and stumped by Saurabh Rawat.Vyshak Vijaykumar followed soon after, but Vidhyadhar (54; 144b; 2x4, 1x6) ensured the lower order added some more runs. Displaying admirable composure, he brought up his 50 with a fine glide through third man. His knock, built on patience, further inflated Uttarakhand’s burden before Aditya Rawat and Mishra wrapped up the innings.If Uttarakhand hoped for a steady start in reply, Karnataka’s new-ball pair had other ideas. Prasidh Krishna maintained a disciplined good length, while Vidhyadhar (2/26) attacked the stumps relentlessly on a surface which offered no assistance.It was Vidhyadhar who struck first. A delivery that jagged back sharply trapped Prashant Chopra in front, setting the tone. Soon after, Bhupen Lalwani fell attempting to flick down the leg side, only to edge to wicketkeeper Kruthik Krishna. The twin blows unsettled Uttarakhand’s dressing room, and the scoring rate dwindled.Avneesh Sudha and teenager Lakshya Raichandani attempted to stabilise proceedings, but Vyshak broke through with late movement that disturbed Sudha’s off stump. Skipper Kunal Chandela, Uttarakhand’s leading run-scorer this season, managed just 12 before edging Shreyas Gopal delivery, which bounced a tad late, to KL Rahul at first slip.At 106/5, the innings teetered. Raichandani and J Suchith mounted brief resistance with a 43-run stand. Suchith, who had missed Day 2 due to the birth of his son, showed resilience to push his side past the 100-run mark before Prasidh returned to uproot his off stump.Raichandani and Saurabh Rawat saw through the rest of the final session with some help from the Karnataka fielders. The duo was grassed by Smaran and Rahul on 43 and 10 respectively. But they have mountains to move if they want to stop Karnataka from entering their first final after the victorious 2014-15 season.SCOREBOARDKarnataka (I innings; o/n 689/6): R Smaran st A Rawat b Mishra 135, Vidhyadhar Patil c S Rawat b A Rawat 54, Vyshak Vijaykumar c Raichandani b Mishra 0, Shikhar Shetty b Mishra 12, Prasidh Krishna (not out) 1. Extras (NB-6; W-8, B-11, LB-6; pen 5) 36. Total (all out; 194 overs) 736.Fall of wickets: 7-717, 8-717, 9-734.Bowling: Abhay Negi 34-5-118-1, Janmejay Joshi 29-5-94-0, Aditya Rawat 34.4-3-154-4, Mayank Mishra 42-3-173-3, J Suchith 10-0-43-0, Avneesh Sudha 35-2-107-1, Lakshya Raichandani 10-1-25-1.Uttarakhand (I innings): Bhupen Lalwani c Kruthik b Patil 15, Prashant Chopra lbw Patil 5, Avneesh Sudha b Vyshak 27, Lakshya Raichandani (batting) 52, Kunal Chandela c Rahul b Shreyas 12, J Suchith b Prasidh 21. Extras: (LB-4; NB-1; W-2) 7. Total (5 wkts; 69 overs) 149.Fall in wickets: 1-5, 2-37, 3-61, 4-81, 5-124Bowling: Vidhyadhar Patil 13-3-26-2, Prasidh Krishna 15-2-42-1, Vyshak Vijaykumar 13-2-30-1, Shikhar Shetty 18-9-24-0, Shreyas Gopal 10-3-23-1.Brief scores: Karnataka (I innings): 736 all out in 194 overs (R Smaran 135, Vidhyadhar Patil 54; Aditya Rawat 4-154, Mayank Mishra 3-173) vs Uttarakhand (I innings): 149/5 in 69 overs (Lakshya Raichandani 52 batting)