K B Arun Karthick struck a vital unbeaten 115 to help Assam garner three crucial points against defending champions Karnataka after their Group A Ranji Trophy match ended in a tame draw, here today.
Chasing a huge 388 for an outright win, Assam were 30 for one in their second innings yesterday.
The hosts today rode on former Tamil Nadu cricketer Arun Karthick's patient century to eke out a draw and ensure three points for the side by virtue of first innings lead over the title holders.
Resuming from the overnight score, Assam lost Pallav Kumar Das (26) and Amit Verma early before skipper Gokul Sharma and Arun Karthick joined hands to steady the innings.
The duo shared 132 runs for the fourth wicket to stabilise Assam as they finally ended their second innings on 259 for five in 102 overs.
Arun Karthick played out 258 balls and struck 15 boundaries and three sixes during his century knock. Sharma also made vital 55 off 154 balls while left-arm spinner Jamaluddin Syed Mohammad (21 off 96) also came up with a gritty knock to deny any inroads to the Karnataka bowlers.
For Karnataka, skipper R Vinay Kumar (2/41) and left-arm spinner Jagadeesha Suchith (2/60) picked up two wickets apiece.
While Assam pocketed three points by virtue of the slender seven runs first innings lead, Karnataka garnered one point from the match.
Brief Scores:
Karnataka: 187 & 394 for eight decl. (Ravikumar Samarth 131, Mayank Agarwal 47; Swarupam Purkayastha 3/78).
Assam: 194 & 259 for five in 102 overs (K B Arun Karthick 115 not out, Gokul Sharma 55; R Vinay Kumar 2/41).
Result: Match drawn
Points: Assam 3, Karnataka 1.
