Dravid answers critics; leads Karnataka fightback with Pawan
by CricketArchive Staff Reporter
DateLine: 5th November 2007
Mumbai, Nov 5 Rahul Dravid gave a befitting answer to his critics
with a chanceless unbeaten 77 as he along with K B Pawan (76
batting) led the Karnataka fightback against Mumbai on the
third day of the four-day Elite Division group 'A' Ranji trophy
match at the Wankhede stadium here today.
The two shared an unbeaten 126 run partnership for the second
wicket as Karnataka replied with 195 for one in their second innings
after conceding a 142 run first innings lead at close of play on the
third day.
Dravid with 77 and K B Pawan with 76 were still holding fort when
stumps were called with Karnataka ahead by 53 runs in the second
innings after wiping out the first innings deficit.
Earlier, resuming at 302 for 7, Mumbai added 35 more runs before
being bowled out for 337 with R Vinay Kumar taking all the three
wickets to fall.
Karnataka openers B Rowland and K B Pawan gave them a sound start
putting on 69 runs for the first wicket before Rowland was dismissed
being bowled of an inside edge as he went for an extravagant drive
on the off side of the bowling of R Varma. Rowland made 40 in just
72 balls with five thunderous boundaries included in it.
Dravid then came in to join K B Pawan and the two took the match
to the defending champions as they grinded out the attack giving
them not a semblance of a chance on a wicket which was aiding the
spinners.
Dravid answered his critics in the only possible way playing a
flawless innings and along with Pawan made sure that they would came
out of this match with atleast a point for a drawn match which is
where this match is heading now with just a day remaining.
The former India captain smarting from being left out of the
Indian team for the first two ODIs against Pakistan began with an
ondrive of R Varma and then played a superb off drive of spinner
Ramesh Powar to set the tone.
Both the players showed a lot of patience as runs were hard to
come by. Pawan, however reached his 50 with a huge six of Powar over
mid wicket. His 50 came in a stay of 151 minutes after facing 106
balls and was studded by six fours and a six.
Dravid at the other end did not lose out any opportunity of
scoring hitting Ramesh Powar for two consecutive sixes over the long
on fence, the second one crashing against the window of the press
box.
He also soon reached his 50 with a late cut of Agarkar. His 50
came in 116 balls and was inclusive of six boundaries and two fours.
Pawan and Dravid soon brought up the 100 partnership to frustrate
the Mumbai bowlers who had no luck at all as the two displayed
batsmanship of the highest order to take Karnataka to relative
safety of being able to force a draw.
Following is the scoreboard at close of play on the third day
Karnataka first innings: 195
Mumbai first innings: (Overnight 302 for seven)
S Kukreja c T Naidu b N C Aiyappa 66
W Jaffer b N C Aiyappa 55
A Rahane lbw b Sunil Joshi 00
A Muzumdar lbw b Anil Kumble 23
P Naik run out (R Vinay Kumar) 78
A Nayar lbw b Sunil Joshi 24
R Powar c C Raghu b S Joshi 10
A Agarkar lbw b R Vinay Kumar 24
V Samant c T Naidu b R Vinay Kumar 24
I Abdulla lbw b R Vinay Kumar 18
R Varma noyt out 01
