Rahul, Revanth rise to the occasion again, thwart Karnataka’s victory push

After threatening to catch fire more than once, the Andhra versus Karnataka Ranji Trophy clash petered out to a draw at the ACA Stadium in Mulapadu near here on Wednesday.

From an overnight 176 for four, Karnataka lost captain and first-innings centurion R. Smaran for the addition of just six runs to its total and the lead reading a paltry 38.

But Karun Nair held fort (155 n.o., 242b, 16x4, 2x6) to bail Karnataka out, before the away side declared at 337 for nine to set the hosts a challenging 194-run target from 45 overs.

Twice during Andhra’s pursuit, Karnataka was in with a chance – at 18 for two and 53 for four. But both times, the home batters dug their heels in.