Seasoned opener Mayank Agarwal showcased persistence and self-discipline, whereas veteran off-spinner Jalaj Saxena exhibited his craft in an interesting duel that outlined the opening day’s play of the Ranji Trophy Group B conflict between Karnataka and Maharashtra on the Maharashtra Cricket Affiliation Stadium on Saturday.
Agarwal’s gritty 80 (181 b, 7×4, 2×6) anchored Karnataka’s innings earlier than he fell to Saxena (3/80) late within the last session. Regardless of slipping to 194 for 5, Abhinav Manohar and Shreyas Gopal steadied the guests, guiding them to 257 for 5 at stumps.
Successful the toss, Agarwal and Okay.V. Aneesh gave Karnataka a composed begin. Aneesh, extra fluent of the 2, started confidently by driving Rajneesh Gurbani by covers within the opening over. With Mukesh Choudhary struggling for rhythm, Maharashtra launched spin early — and Saxena struck instantly. His very first supply turned sharply into Aneesh, trapping him leg-before to interrupt the 66-run stand.
Saxena’s third over produced a gem that breached Okay.L. Shrijith’s defence and rattled his stumps. Minutes later, pacer Ramakrishna Ghosh delivered a peach to dismiss Karun Nair, beating his inside edge with a supply that seamed in to uproot off and center.
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At 89 for 3, Karnataka wanted stability. Agarwal discovered it in R. Smaran, the tall left-hander, and collectively they resisted Maharashtra’s assault with willpower. As soon as the ball softened, Agarwal shifted gears, utilizing his toes towards the spinners and lofting Saxena over cow nook to convey up his half-century.
On the cusp of tea, Smaran’s resolute keep ended when he chipped Vicky Ostwal to Ankeet Bawane at brief mid-wicket. After the interval, Saxena quickened his tempo to unsettle Agarwal — and the ploy labored. A faster one on center turned sharply, with wicketkeeper Saurabh Nawale finishing a neat stumping to finish Agarwal’s nice innings.
The day ended evenly poised, with Karnataka’s decrease middle-order holding agency towards Maharashtra’s probing assault.
The scoreboard:
Karnataka – First Innings: Okay.V. Aneesh lbw b Jalaj 34, Mayank Agarwal st Nawale b Jalaj 80, Okay.L. Shrijith b Jalaj 10, Karun Nair b Ghosh 4, R. Smaran c Bawane b Ostwal 54, Abhinav Manohar (batting) 31, Shreyas Gopal (32); Extras (lb-12): 12; Whole (for 5 wkts. in 89 overs): 257
Fall of wickets: 1-66, 2-82, 3-89, 4-188, 5-194.
Maharashtra bowling: Gurbani, Choudhary 8-1-44-0, Ostwal 23-8-46-1, Saxena 30-2-80-3, 13-4-33-1.
Revealed on Nov 08, 2025