Lokesh Rahul and Murlidharen Gautam slammed unbeaten centuries to help Karnataka pile up 308 for two against Vidarbha on the opening day of the their four-day Group-B Ranji Trophy match in Mysore, on Saturday.
Rahul was unbeaten on 145 and Gautam was batting on 129 at stumps on Day 1.
Rahul batted cautiously at the start and built a 44-run partnership for the first wicket with Robin Uthappa, who was first to go after scoring 24 runs from 42 balls with three boundaries.
Ganesh Satish fell without scoring when he was caught behind off Vidarbha seamer Sandeep Singh, who took two quick wickets to leave Karnataka gasping at 52 for two.
Batting largely against a "stingless" Vidarbha attack, Rahul scored his unbeaten 145 knock from 269 balls with 15 hits to the fence.
Gautam faced 215 balls and struck eleven fours during his unconquered knock.
Both never seemed to be in any trouble in dealing with the Vidarbha bowlers.
Singh, who took two wickets in the morning session, failed to make an impact later in the day. Shrikant Wagh and Ravikumar Thakur also could make any sort of impression as Rahul and Gautam put on an unbroken stand of 256 runs for the third wicket.
Brief scores:
Karnataka first innings: 308 for two in 90 overs (L Rahul 145 not out, CM Gautam 129 not out, Sandeep Singh 2-45)
