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K’taka in command against TN on Day 2

Riding on unbeaten centuries from K L Rahul and Karun Nair, defending champions Karnataka took firm control by finishing day two on a comfortable 323 for five in the Ranji Trophy final here on Monday.

Karnataka have already secured a 189-run lead over their opponents with five wickets still remaining here at the Wankhede stadium. Rahul (131) and Nair (130) were unconquered at the end of day’s play, which saw them overhaul Tamil Nadu's first innings paltry total of 134. Resuming at an overnight score of 45 for four, title the holders lost night watchman Abhimanyu Mithun (39) early to be reeling at 84 for five.

Mithun was trapped leg before by off-spinner Malolan Rangarajan in the 11th over of the day, adding just 25 runs to his Sunday’s score of 14. The 25-year-old hit 16 off the second over of the day, hitting Laxmipathy Balaji for three boundaries.

Mithun’s overnight partner, Karun Nair, having resumed at nine, carried on to notch up his first century of the season. He added 239 runs with Rahul for an unbeaten partnership for the sixth wicket.

Rahul hit 13 fours and a six to bring up his century. Rahul, who had retired hurt on Sunday due to a hamstring pull after scoring one, batted patiently with Nair to equalise Tamil Nadu's first innings score of 134 at lunch.

Briefscores TN 1st innings: 134; Karnataka 1st innings: 323 for five in 99 overs (KL Rahul batting 131, Karun Nair batting 130, L Balaji 3/68). 
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