Smaran slams hundred, helps Karnataka salvage a draw against Haryana

R. Smaran's unbeaten 133 helps Karnataka secure a draw against Haryana in Ranji Trophy Elite Group 'C' match.

R. Smaran continued his great run to help Karnataka salvage a draw against Haryana in their last Ranji Trophy Elite Group ‘C’ match at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium here on Sunday.

Smaran struck a fine unbeaten 133 to halt Haryana’s march. This was the southpaw’s third straight hundred across formats, after a 203 against Punjab in the previous First Class match and a 101-run knock in the Vijay Hazare Trophy final.

The 21-year-old showed tremendous patience in his 217-ball stint, even as Haryana threatened to make major inroads.

On the back of gaining the first innings lead, Haryana (29 points) finished on top of the table ahead of Kerala (28 points). Karnataka (20 points), which needed to win with a bonus point here to qualify for the knockouts, ended in fourth spot and exited the competition.

Resuming on 108 for three, Karnataka’s first task was to erase the overall deficit of 38 runs. The going got tough when Devdutt Padikkal (43) and K. L. Shrijith (2) were dismissed by wily pacer Anshul Kamboj inside the first hour of the day. Yashovardhan Parantap (12) was trapped leg-before by Jayant, reducing Karnataka to 164 for six.

Smaran was joined at the crease by Hardik Raj (40, 78b, 4x4), who showed the stomach for a fight. The last recognised pair dug in, aware that another reverse could lead to a quick collapse and defeat.

Hardik and Smaran put on a crucial 98-run stand for the seventh wicket, and gave the home team ample breathing space. By the time Jayant Yadav prised out Hardik, Karnataka moved to safety with a 116-run lead.