Karnataka spinners dominate Assam on opening day of Ranji Trophy match
Ritesh Bhatkal and Shikhar Shetty claimed five wickets each as Karnataka reached 180 for two in Guwahati.
Karnataka spinners Ritesh Bhatkal and Shikhar Shetty took all 10 wickets to bowl Assam out for 135 on Monday at the ACA Stadium in Guwahati. According to The Hindu, the spinners exploited a dry, grippy surface underneath a green layer to dismantle the Assam batting lineup.
Assam captain Denish Das scored 26 and Sibsankar Roy made 37 during a 63-run fourth-wicket partnership. 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 Agarwal established a 129-run opening stand. Patil scored 89 before being caught by Sibsankar Roy off the bowling of Amlanjyoti Das, while Mayank remained 57 not out.
At the end of the first day, Karnataka reached 180 for two, holding a 45-run lead over Assam.