Photo via Rediff

Manvanth's Maiden First-Class Ton Puts Karnataka in Command

Karnataka’s young batter **Manvanth Kumar** made history with his first first-class century, anchoring a composed 135 off 147 balls to set his team on course for victory in their Ranji Trophy Group B clash against Saurashtra. His innings, featuring 11 boundaries and six sixes, included a crucial 146-run ninth-wicket partnership with Abhilash Shetty (14 not out), helping Karnataka post 342 all out.

The hosts then stifled Saurashtra’s early momentum, reducing them to 164 for four by the close of Day 2—a 178-run deficit—after left-arm pacer Abhilash Shetty claimed two key wickets to dismantle the visitors’ top order. Saurashtra’s openers, Hetvik Kotak (46) and Harvik Desai (77), had briefly steadied the ship with a 110-run stand, but Karnataka’s bowlers, led by Vidwath Kaverappa and Vysakh Vijayakumar, broke through decisively.

Parth Bhut emerged as Saurashtra’s standout performer with five wickets, while Manvanth’s dismissal to the same bowler marked the end of his stellar knock.

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