Spinners Ritesh and Shikhar lead Karnataka against Assam in Ranji Trophy
Ritesh Bhatkal and Shikhar Shetty took five wickets each as Karnataka reached 180 for two on the first day.
Spinners Ritesh Bhatkal and Shikhar Shetty claimed five wickets each to help Karnataka bowl out Assam for 135 on Monday. The Ranji Trophy Elite Group B encounter took place at the ACA Stadium in Guwahati.
According to The Hindu, Assam won the toss and elected to bat. Although the pitch appeared green, the surface proved to be dry and grippy underneath, which the Karnataka spinners exploited after being introduced in the seventh over.
Assam captain Denish Das scored 26 and Sibsankar Roy made 37 during a 63-run partnership for the fourth wicket. Ritesh Bhatkal finished with figures of 5 for 35, while Shikhar Shetty recorded 5 for 53, marking his third five-wicket haul of the season.
In response, Karnataka openers Rohan Patil and Mayank reached 180 for two by the end of the first day. Patil scored 89 before being caught by Sibsankar Roy off the bowling of Amlanjyoti Das. Mayank remains batting on 57.
Karnataka ended the opening day 45 runs ahead of Assam's first innings total.