Karnataka sets up final date with Maha

Mohali: The Ranji Trophy semifinal clash between Punjab and Karnataka at the PCA stadium here ended exactly the way it began five days ago – a rain-soaked day. It meant a watery grave for Punjab in their backyard as Karnataka, who spent the last five days playing more football and sepak takraw than cricket, sealed their place in the final by virtue of a first innings lead.

What was touted to be a clash between two formidable sides in the country’s premier domestic competition ended up being a sham with the weather — perhaps, more pertinently the scheduling — being the culprit.

The final day on Wednesday was a complete washout with no let-up in the rain that began in the wee hours. In between the showers, the umpires made several trips to the centre before calling off the match at 12.45 pm.

A meagre 211 overs was all that was possible over five days in this fixture, in about 16 hours of play.

Even in that small window, the quality of cricket was pretty high. For Karnataka, it was a case of literally making hay while the sun shined. First it was skipper R Vinay Kumar, who came to the fore with a five-for to skittle Punjab out for a mere 270. Robin Uthappa (47) and Manish Pandey (65) then laid a solid foundation with the bat, while Karun Nair (151 n.o.), Amit Verma (114 n.o.) and CM Gautam (48) shut the door on Punjab. Karnataka’s 447 for 5 ensured the visitors a place in the final, their second in four years.