The Hindu : Sport / Cricket : Chandrashekar Raghu fashions Karnataka's thrilling win

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Chandrashekar Raghu fashions Karnataka's thrilling win

Special Correspondent

KANPUR: Karnataka, aided by a disciplined 50 from Chandrashekar Raghu, pulled off a two-wicket victory over a fighting Uttar Pradesh on the final day of the Ranji Trophy Super League match at the Kamla Club ground here on Tuesday.

Raghu was Karnataka's hero as he showed his excellent ability to build an innings and finish the job. He got out two runs short of the target after Karnataka, chasing 122 to win, resumed at 54 for five.

"I knew I had to be patient. It was a difficult pitch no doubt but I told myself to just hang in there,"

said Raghu of his match-winning effort that carried Karnataka's points tally to eight from three matches. His 50 off 95 balls with six fours was the strength on which Karnataka dashed the hopes of Uttar Pradesh.

R.P. Singh's burst

Left-arm seamer R.P. Singh picked up three wickets in the morning, as Karnataka appeared to fumble. But Raghu did not flinch and carried on strongly. "It was a very mature innings by Raghu," praised Karnataka coach Venkatesh Prasad.

"I always knew we were there. We had the right approach and attitude and most importantly we had the batting depth. Raghu proved it and this win should give the team the confidence needed in the remaining matches. We are on a mission and this win shows we are on the right track," said Prasad.

A disappointed Mohammad Kaif stood by his team. "We made a good comeback when defending a small target. I am happy with the boys. They worked hard under pressure," said the Uttar Pradesh captain.

Karnataka next plays Delhi at the Ferozeshah Kotla while Uttar Pradesh meets Haryana at Rohtak.

The scores: Uttar Pradesh — 1st innings: 264.

Karnataka — 1st innings: 337.

Uttar Pradesh — 2nd innings: 194.

Karnataka — 2nd innings: R. Barrington b Srivastava 7, R. Uthappa c R. Shukla b Srivastava 5, B. Chipli c R.P. Singh b Praveen 3, C. Raghu c Kumar b R.P. Singh 50, Y. Goud b Praveen 1, T. Naidu b R.P. Singh 11, S. Binny c Srivastava b R.P. Singh 4, S. Joshi lbw b R. P. Singh 4, B. Akhi (not out) 16, R. Vinay Kumar (not out) 5; Extras (b-3, lb-5, nb-11) 19; Total (for eight wkts. in 39.5 overs) 125.

Fall of wickets: 1-11, 2-15, 3-23, 4-24, 5-54, 6-58, 7-73, 8-120.

Uttar Pradesh bowling: Srivastava 13.5-3-36-2, Praveen 12-3-29-2, Chawla 3-0-12-0, R.P. Singh 9-0-30-4, Kaif 2-0-10-0.

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