Ranji Trophy 2023-24: Manish Pandey ton powers Karnataka to comfy place in opposition to Chandigarh on Day 2

An entertaining unbeaten 102 by Manish Pandey took Karnataka to a snug place in opposition to Chandigarh on the second day of their Ranji Trophy outing on Saturday.

Pandey’s twenty fifth First-Class century powered Karnataka to 268 for 3, one run forward of Chandigarh’s first-innings whole.

With three factors within the bag, Karnataka is assured of a spot within the quarterfinal, offered the house workforce doesn’t fall to a loss.

Pandey got here alive within the remaining session, thrilling the small crowd with good strokes. He punched the size deliveries by way of extra-cover and mid-off, and pulled long-hops over deep square-leg. The 34-year-old walked down the monitor to throw the pacers off-kilter. Pandey was unstoppable as soon as he acquired his eye in, shifting from 50 to 100 in simply 24 deliveries.

Pandey discovered an in a position ally in Hardik Raj (49 batting, 116b, 4×4). Hardik batted with gumption for over three hours, displaying all the fitting qualities to thrive on this lengthy format. It was a day to recollect for the 17-year-old, who additionally scalped 4 wickets together with his left-arm spin within the Chandigarh essay.

READ: Ranji Trophy 2023-24: Shardul Thakur runs the present to make sure Mumbai has final snort in opposition to Assam

Mayank Agarwal’s good run continued with a 90-ball 57. The skipper appeared good for extra, however an inside edge to left-arm spinner Karan Kaila reduce him brief.

Nikin Jose, not in the perfect type this season, labored exhausting for his 60-ball 37. An pointless jab exterior off, nonetheless, robbed Jose of an enormous rating.

There was no silver lining for opener R. Samarth, nicked off by pacer Jagjit Sandhu for 4.

Chandigarh batted for 27.4 overs within the morning session to finish with a decent whole. Hardik (4/56) prised out wickets with a mixture of flighted deliveries and arm balls, whereas quick bowler V. Vyshak (4/77) was sometimes fiery.